Clinical implications of therapeutic exercise in HIV/AIDS

Exercise and Smoking Cessation

Smoking is a public health crisis, leading to a multitude of health complications. Exercise is associated with numerous health benefits and is accepted by health professionals and smokers as a potentially effective smoking cessation aid. This chapter discusses the extant literature on the relation between exercise and smoking, including cross-sectional studies, experiments, and randomized clinical trials. There is robust evidence for exercise's efficacy in reducing cigarette craving, tobacco withdrawal symptoms, and negative affect. Further, exercise-based interventions appear to boost short-term abstinence yet may fall short of facilitating long-term abstinence. Methodological limitations of extant work are reviewed. We conclude with a discussion of the next steps in this line of work to fine-tune exercise interventions and their application for smoking cessation.

Impact of serious adverse drug reactions on the quality of life of patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy in Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria: a four-year retrospective study

ABSTRACTSerious adverse drug reactions (sADRs) have a serious impact on the progress being made in providing antiretroviral therapy. The presence of HIV/AIDS and its complications associated with sADRs, has a negative effect on the quality of life (QoL) of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This was a descriptive retrospective cohort study of 400 adult HIV patients in which the QoL of PLWHA with sADRs was compared to patients that did not experience ADR who had been on antiretroviral therapy (ART) was followed up for 48 months using the WHOQOL-HIV BREF to measure QoL. Out of 400 patients, 373 (93.25%) respondents completed the study with an overall mean age was 40.8 years (SD ± 8.64). One hundred and ninety-nine patients (53.4%) reported to have experiencing sADR. The response consistently showed significantly higher mean scores in the QoL of patients who had no ADRs in the psychological, social and environments state of health domains compared to those who had ADRs with mean scores (P = 0.000, 0.037 and 0.028), respectively. This study revealed significantly higher scores in patients who had no ADRs compared to those who had ADRs. Low QoL due to serious ADR may add additional burden to HIV disease and complications, and the related discrimination often faced by PLWHA. This study would help clinicians pay serious attention to identifying and promptly managing ADR.

The Experience of HIV-Positive Transgender Women Engaging in Physical Activity: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Regular physical activity should benefit HIV-positive transgender women because they are a particularly vulnerable population. However, engaging in physical activity seems particularly difficult among this population. To inform the development of interventions to increase adherence to physical activity, we explored perceptions of physical activity in 10 semi-structured interviews with HIV-positive transgender women. Interviews were subjected to a qualitative approach named interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Inspired by Cooley's theory, we chose to illustrate the results according to a three-level structure, i.e., confronting oneself to oneself with a specific identity, then confronting oneself with others on an interpersonal level, and eventually confronting oneself with society as a normative frame through the specific prism of physical activity, and thus relationship to one's body. The idea of practicing physical activity meant for them: having to face what they tried to be kept hidden, being ostracized by the cis population, and facing social heteronormativity. The fears about health were mostly about HIV and the transitioning process side effects. The psychological issues were mostly about the fear of developing male shaped bodies and worsened by traumatic life stories. External factors were often related to the passing concept and violence caused by stigma and discrimination. The group appeared as a strong motivation factor, facilitating self-acceptance and socialization.

Biographical Reinvention: An Asset-Based Approach to Understanding the World of Men Living with HIV in Indonesia

HIV diagnosis and management have often caused disruption to the everyday life and imagined futures of people living with HIV, both at individual and social levels. This disruption has been conceptualised, in a rather dystopian way, as 'biographical disruption'. This paper explores whether or not biographical disruption of living with HIV encourages men living with HIV (MLHIV; n = 40) in Yogyakarta and Belu, Indonesia, to reinvent their sense of self and future over time using internal and external assets. Our analysis uses the concepts of additive and subtractive resilience strategies, and we show how, rather than having a purely disrupted biography, participants talked about their experiences of 'biographical reinvention'. Study participants were recruited using the snowball sampling technique, beginning with two HIV clinics as the settings. Data were collected using one-on-one in-depth interviews, and a qualitative framework analysis was used to guide step-by-step data analysis. The findings showed that, despite the disruptions in their everyday lives (i.e., mental health condition, work, activities, social relationships, etc.) following the HIV diagnosis and management, MLHIV in our study managed to utilise their internal assets or traits (i.e., hope, optimism, resilience) and mobilised external resources (i.e., support from families, friends and healthcare professionals) to cope with the disruptions. An interweaving of these internal assets and external resources enabled them to take on new activities and roles (additive resilience strategies) and give up health compromising behaviours (subtractive resilience strategies). These were effective for most MLHIV in our study, not only to cope with the HIV repercussions and improve their physical and mental health conditions, but to think or work on a 'reinvented' biography which encompassed resilience, hope and optimism for better health, life and future. The findings indicate the need for HIV interventions and healthcare systems that provide appropriate support for the development and maintenance of internal assets of PLHIV to enable them to cope with the repercussions of HIV and work on a 'reinvented' biography.

"Me Dieron Vida": The Effects of a Pilot Health Promotion Intervention to Reduce Cardiometabolic Risk and Improve Behavioral Health among Older Latinos with HIV

There are significant gaps in knowledge about the synergistic and disparate burden of health disparities associated with cardiovascular health issues, poorer mental health outcomes, and suboptimal HIV-care management on the health of older Latinos living with HIV (OLLWH). This pilot study sought to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an innovative application of an already established health-promotion intervention-Happy Older Latinos are Active (HOLA)-among this marginalized population. Eighteen self-identified Latino men with an undetectable HIV viral load and documented risk of cardiometabolic disease participated in this study. Although the attrition rate of 22% was higher than expected, participants attended 77% of the sessions and almost 95% of the virtual walks. Participants reported high satisfaction with the intervention, as evident by self-report quantitative (CSQ-8; M = 31, SD = 1.5) and qualitative metrics. Participants appreciated bonding with the community health worker and their peers to reduce social isolation. Results indicate that the HOLA intervention is an innovative way of delivering a health promotion intervention adapted to meet the diverse needs and circumstances of OLLWH, is feasible and acceptable, and has the potential to have positive effects on the health of OLLWH.

Effect of a Short-term Lifestyle Modification Program on Quality of Life, Anthropometric Characteristics and CD4+T Cell Count of HIV Infected Patients in Tehran/Iran: A Randomized Controlled Trial

CONTEXT

Increasing physical activity and promoting healthy behaviors may play a key role in reducing the adverse effects of antiretroviral therapy and HIV.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the effects of an 8-week lifestyle modification program (LMP) on quality of life, anthropometric characteristics and CD4+T cell count of people living with HIV (PLWH).

METHODS

Thirty PLWH taking ART were randomly assigned to a lifestyle modification program (LMP) (n = 15) or standard care control (CON) group (n = 15). All volunteers underwent body composition, CD4+T cell count measurement and quality of life assessments at the beginning and end of a two-month experimental period.

RESULTS

At follow-up, we observed a significant increase in CD4+T cell count (117.52 cells/mm³; 95% CI, 36.59-198.45) and all subscales and total quality of life score (Short-Form 36 (SF-36) in the LMP group. While we did not observe a significant change in body composition for the LMP group, we did observe a significant increase in body fat (1.75%; 95% CI, 0.15, 2.33) and a reduction in lean body mass (-1.26; 95% CI, -1.26, -2.39) for the CON group.

CONCLUSION

A LMP can be safely used as an effective intervention for improving quality of life and immune competence of PLWH who lack time to participate in a structured exercise regimen.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

IRCT 201604034076N18. Registered: 2016-05-05 .web address of TRIAL: en.search.irct.ir/trial/4262.

Quality of life and handgrip strength of HIV patients diagnosed with neurotoxoplasmosis

Abstract HIV / AIDS epidemic continues to be a major public health problem, and when there is poor adherence to treatment, patients become susceptible to other infections such as toxoplasmosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the handgrip strength and quality of life of HIV infected patients diagnosed with neurotoxoplasmosis. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 40 HIV-infected patients, with and without diagnosis of neuroxoplasmosis.Sociodemographic and clinical profile information was collected, and handgrip strength and quality of life were evaluated. Almost all patients of both groups used antiretroviral therapy. In the handgrip strength evaluation, no statistical difference was observed for the right and left hand between groups with and without neurotoxoplasmosis (p> 0.05). However, the classifica-1 Federal University of Pará. Gradution of inadequate handgrip strength in the neurotoxoplasmosis group was significantly higher.ate Program in Tropical Diseases. In the quality of life domain, it was observed that financial concern had lower scores in the Belém, PA. Brazil. group with neurotoxoplasmosis (p = 0.0379). It was observed that neurotoxoplasmosis showedno association with epidemiological, clinical, handgrip strength and quality of life variables.2 State University of Pará. Center However, patients with neurotoxoplasmosis showed a trend towards lower muscle strength.

High prevalence of physical inactivity among patients from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study

Physical activity (PA) can improve cardiorespiratory status, strength, body composition and quality of life for patients infected with HIV. Evidence from HIV-uninfected populations also shows that PA is associated with a lower risk of mortality, primarily death due to cardiovascular causes. There is, however, a lack of data on how physically active HIV-infected patients are. In this study, we assessed levels of self-reported PA over time in patients enrolled in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study, a large multicentre prospective observational cohort study. We included a total of 10,540 patients who completed at least one report of PA between December 2009 and November 2014 during routine clinical follow-up (scheduled every 6 months). In the first year after December 2009 there was a higher rate of non-response so these data are of a lesser reliability. Over the next four years, the percentage of patients reporting no free-time PA at all declined from 49% to 44%. In contrast, in two "Sport Switzerland" surveys of the general population in 2008 and 2014, the percentage of individuals reporting no sports activities at all was considerably lower and relatively stable over time (27% in 2008; 26% in 2014). In our analysis, the percentage of patients reporting sedentary activity at work increased from 23% to 26% over the four years. Subgroup findings suggest differences between women and men and between patients classified by their age, stage of infection and CD4 cell count. Integrating PA counselling into the routine care of HIV-infected patients and promoting PA among this population has the potential to improve the general state of health and quality of life for HIV-infected patients and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

Effect of Different Types of Exercise in HIV + Mozambican Women Using Antiretroviral Therapy

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of two types of exercises interventions on the regularity and health-related physical fitness in HIV-infected individuals who use antiretroviral therapy (ART). A total of 53 HIV+ African women (mean age=39.5±8.4 years) on ART participated in the study. Subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups, namely, formal exercise (FEG), playful exercise (PEG) and control (CG). During 12 weeks, the exercise groups underwent a program of 1-hour duration with a frequency of 3 times a week. The FEG performed a protocol that included 20 minutes of exercise, cycling at 60 % of V̇O_2peak, increasing to 75 % and 85 % in the 4th and 8th weeks, respectively, and a muscular endurance circuit consisted of 6 exercises at 15 repetitions per minute (RM). The PEG followed a program consisting of active games. Before and after the intervention the participants were submitted to a clinical evaluation including immunological parameters (CD4+), cardiovascular risk factors, physical fitness and anthropometry. Comparison of somatic variables before and after the program showed no exercise effect. Immunological and cardiovascular variables were also independent of the exercise group. The main effect was found in cardiorespiratory fitness: exercise groups increased significantly in V̇O_2peak (FEG=14.7 %; PEG=11.1 %) with no significant differences in CG. The percentage of high attendance was identical between the two groups. It was concluded that there is no contraindication for exercise in this type of population and the beneficial effect was mainly in cardiorespiratory fitness, regardless of the type of exercise performed.

Effect of Aerobic Exercise on CD4 Cell Count and Lipid Profile of HIV Infected Persons in North Eastern Nigeria

Background:

Literature consistently shows dearth of published data from developing countries on effect of exercise on HIV infected persons.

Objective:

The study was aimed at determining effect of aerobic exercise on CD4 cell counts and lipid profile of HIV infected persons in Northeastern Nigeria.

Methods:

Sample of convenience was employed to enroll volunteer and willing 91 HIV infected persons attending antiretroviral clinic at a tertiary hospital in Northeastern Nigeria. Eighty two met the inclusion criteria and participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Baseline values of the variables were determined. Experimental group participated in moderate intensity treadmill aerobic exercise for 12 weeks. Control group participated in weekly lectures on nutrition, adherence to therapy among others. At the end, the study recorded 22% attrition rate, leaving 32 participants in each group (64 participants in both). After the 12 weeks, the variables were re-evaluated. Descriptive statistic summarized the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants. Paired and unpaired Student t-tests analyzed the significant difference in mean values of the variables.

Results:

Mean ages in years of the 64 participants, the control and experimental groups were 39.57 ± 10.13, 39.38 ± 10.03 and 40.84 ± 10.05 respectively. There was significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the variables between pre- and post-tests in the experimental group. In the control group, there was either no significant change (p > 0.05) or significant deterioration (p < 0.05) in lipid profile between pre- and post-tests, while in CD4 cell counts, significant improvement was observed. Significant difference (p < 0.05) existed in the variables at the end of the study between both groups.

Conclusion:

CD4 cell counts and lipid profile of HIV infected persons who participated in the 12 weeks moderate intensity treadmill aerobic exercise significantly improved. Proper nutrition and adherence to antiretroviral therapy may enhance immune function in HIV population.

Effects of Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise on Exercise Capacity, Muscle Strength and Quality of Life in HIV-Infected Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Many HIV-infected patients demonstrate disability and lower aerobic capacity. The inclusion of resistance training combined with aerobic exercise in a single program is known as combined aerobic and resistance exercise (CARE) and seems to be an effective strategy to improve muscle weakness, as well as aerobic capacity in HIV-infected patients. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate the effects of CARE in HIV-infected patients.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, EMBASE, CINAHL (from the earliest date available to august 2014) for controlled trials that evaluated the effects of CARE in HIV-infected patients. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test.

RESULTS

Seven studies met the study criteria. CARE resulted in improvement in Peak VO2 WMD (4.48 mL·kg-1·min-1 95% CI: 2.95 to 6.0), muscle strength of the knee extensors WMD (25.06 Kg 95% CI: 10.46 to 39.66) and elbow flexors WMD (4.44 Kg 95% CI: 1.22 to 7.67) compared with no exercise group. The meta-analyses also showed significant improvement in Health status, Energy/Vitality and physical function domains of quality of life for participants in the CARE group compared with no exercise group. A nonsignificant improvement in social function domain of quality of life was found for participants in the CARE group compared with no exercise group.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined aerobic and resistance exercise may improve peak VO2, muscle strength and health status, energy and physical function domains of quality of life and should be considered as a component of care of HIV-infected individuals.

Association of Markers of Inflammation with Sleep and Physical Activity Among People Living with HIV or AIDS

This study examined associations of sleep and minutes spent in moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6 among persons living with HIV. Cross-sectional analyses (n = 45) focused on associations of inflammatory outcomes (i.e., CRP and IL-6) with actigraph-derived sleep duration, latency, and efficiency; sleep onset; wake time; and wake-after-sleep-onset; as well as MVPA. Least square means for CRP and IL-6 by levels of sleep and MVPA were computed from general linear models. Individuals below the median of sleep duration, above the median for sleep onset, and below the median of MVPA minutes had higher CRP or IL-6 levels. Generally, individuals with both low MVPA and poor sleep characteristics had higher inflammation levels than those with more MVPA and worse sleep. Understanding the combined impact of multiple lifestyle/behavioral factors on inflammation could inform intervention strategies to reduce inflammation and therefore, chronic disease risk.

The physical activity levels among people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome receiving high active antiretroviral therapy in Rwanda

The accessibility of high active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for local human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients is improving in Rwanda. It is well known that this therapy is associated with serious adverse effects, such as metabolic and morphologic changes. One of the recommended preventive modalities for these complications is participation in physical activity. The current study aims to determine the anthropometric profile and physical activity levels among people living with HIV and receiving HAART in Kigali, Rwanda. The study was a cross-sectional, descriptive quantitative survey. The participant's levels of physical activity participation and their association with anthropometric profiles were measured, using a structured self-administered questionnaire for 407 clients passing through the clinics. Of the participants, approximately 70% were inactive and in addition, 40% were obese and 43% overweight. Obesity was found to be strongly associated with inactivity. Lack of motivation, and time as well as fear of worsening the disease were found to be barriers to participation in physical activity.

Health-related quality of life and physical functioning in people living with HIV/AIDS: a case-control design

BACKGROUND

Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and functional exercise capacity are important area of therapeutic interventions needed to improve the general health of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). However, the relationship between self-report and Performance-based Measure of Functional Capacity (PMFC) of PLWH is still obscure. This study compared the HRQoL and PMFC between a homogenous sample of clinical stage I PLWH and apparently healthy controls.

METHODS

This case-control study involved 74 consenting participants (37 PLWH and 37 controls) who completed the self-report SF-12 questionnaire and PMFC assessment using Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT). PMFC was expressed in terms of Six-Minute Walk Distance (6MWD), Six-Minute Walk Work (6MWW) and Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean and inferential statistics of independent t-test, ANOVA and Pearson's product moment correlation. Alpha level was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the SF-12 Physical-health Component Score (PCS) of PLWH and the controls (p=0.782). However, the SF-12 Mental-health Component Score (MCS) of PLWH was higher than that of controls (p=0.040). 6MWD, 6MWW and VO2max were significantly lower for PLWH (p<0.05). Among PLWH, there was no significant gender differences in the PMFC (p>0.05) while PCS was higher among females. There was no significant correlation between PMFC variables and each of PCS and MCS for PLWH and controls (p>0.05) respectively.

CONCLUSION

Self-report physical health of clinical stage 1 PLWH and controls was comparable, while self-report mental health capacity was higher in PLWH than the controls. PMFC of PLWH was significantly lower compared to healthy controls without gender bias. Overall, self-report and performance-based measure of physical functional capacity of PLWH was not inter-related. Therefore understanding the factors that may influence exercise capacity of PLWH may help to develop effective exercise programmes for PLWH.

A systematic review of effects of concurrent strength and endurance training on the health-related quality of life and cardiopulmonary status in patients with HIV/AIDS

PURPOSE

To determine the effects of concurrent strength and endurance training (concurrent training) on the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) and cardiopulmonary status among HIV-infected patients, using a systematic search strategy of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

A systematic review was performed by two independent reviewers using Cochrane Collaboration protocol. The sources used in this review were Cochrane Library, EMBASE, LILACS, MEDLINE, PEDro and Web of Science from 1950 to August 2012. The PEDro score was used to evaluate methodological quality.

RESULT

Individual studies suggested that concurrent training contributed to improved HRQOL and cardiovascular status. Concurrent training appears to be safe and may be beneficial for medically stable adults living with HIV. The rates of nonadherence were of 16%.

CONCLUSION

Concurrent training improves the HRQOL and cardiopulmonary status. It may be an important intervention in the care and treatment of adults living with HIV. Further research is needed to determine the minimal and optimal duration, frequency, and intensity of exercise needed to produce beneficial changes in the HIV-infected population subgroups.

Sports behaviour among HIV-infected versus non-infected individuals in a Berlin cohort

Physical activity has been recommended based on beneficial effects described in HIV-infected patients. However, such guidelines do not take into account actual sport behaviours and general attitudes towards physical activity. To evaluate actual sport activity and attitudes towards sport in HIV-infected versus non-infected individuals we conducted an anonymous questionnaire investigating the prevalence, as well as possible changes, in sports engagement and the overall attitude to physical activity. A total of 283 patients of a general care facility specialized in the treatment of HIV/AIDS in Berlin, Germany, participated; 124 were HIV infected and 159 were non-infected, mostly men who have sex with men (MSM) (88%), with a median age of 35 years. The HIV-infected participants had a median CD4+ count of 554 cells/µL and 48.8% of them were using antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the time of survey. The proportion of patients actually performing physical activity was significantly lower (P = 0.028) within the HIV-infected group (61.3%) than within the non-infected group (74.2%). This difference remained significant after accounting for possible confounders such as age, gender, injecting drug use and sexual preferences. Previously reported sport activity prevalence was similar in both groups on leaving school. From our data we could not identify an association between the time of HIV diagnosis and changes in sports activity. In conclusion, fewer HIV-infected individuals report physical activity than non-infected individuals. Sociodemographic studies to evaluate potential differences in sports behaviour are required in order to inform exercise guidelines for HIV-infected patients.

HIV/AIDS e Treinamento Concorrente: a Revisão Sistemática

O uso da terapia anti-retroviral combinada (TARV) aumentou a expectativa de vida dos portadores do vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) e, como conseqüência, torna-se constante o estudo do processo fisiopatológico da infecção e das estratégias de intervenção que possam melhorar a qualidade de vida destes indivíduos. O treinamento concorrente, definido como a associação dos componentes aeróbios e força na mesma sessão de exercícios pode ser inserido neste contexto. O objetivo deste artigo é revisar os aspectos centrais da infecção pelo HIV e as evidências existentes sobre o treinamento concorrente com séries múltiplas e simples nos parâmetros imunológico, virológico, cardiorrespiratório e neuromuscular de pessoas infectadas pelo HIV. O método utilizado foi uma revisão sistemática, com artigos publicados entre 2000-2007, nas bases de dados scielo e pubmed e também em dissertações e teses da biblioteca digital da educação física, esporte e saúde. As evidências científicas encontradas nos 8 estudos analisados indicam que o treinamento concorrente, tanto com séries múltiplas quanto séries simples, melhora os parâmetros cardiorrespiratório e neuromuscular; no entanto, os resultados dos parâmetros imunológico e virológico ainda não estão completamente esclarecidos, principalmente sobre os protocolos com séries simples. Considerando o número restrito de trabalhos apresentados, sugere-se o desenvolvimento de estudos com treinamento concorrente em vários desfechos clínicos para pessoas infectadas pelo HIV.

Benefícios do treinamento aeróbio e/ou resistido em indivíduos HIV+: uma revisão sistemática

A aids é uma doença crônica, caracterizada pela depleção dos linfócitos T, sendo o vírus HIV o seu agente causador. A sua infecção e tratamento farmacológico estão ligados às alterações físicas e fisiológicas, que podem diminuir a qualidade de vida. Sendo assim, o objetivo do estudo foi elaborar uma revisão sistemática sobre os estudos publicados no PubMed e Capes entre 1998 e 2008, com humanos soropositivos e que investigaram os impactos do treinamento aeróbio e/ou resistido nos aspectos fisiológicos, metabólicos, psicológicos, imunológicos e físicos. Foram discutidos protocolos que utilizaram apenas treinamento de força ou aeróbio e os que utilizaram ambos e a grande maioria encontrou resultados favoráveis às variáveis pesquisadas. Quanto ao modelo de prescrição para essa população, este deve ser composto por exercícios de força, de oito a 15 repetições máximas (trabalho de hipertrofia) e por exercícios aeróbios (contínuo ou intervalado), com duração de 20 a 60 minutos e intensidade variando de 50 a 85% da frequência cardíaca máxima ou 45-85% do consumo máximo de oxigênio, ambos três a cinco vezes por semana. Dessa forma, ao elaborar um programa de atividade física, é importante conhecer a atual condição física e fisiológica do indivíduo HIV+, para que a sua condição de esforço não seja superestimada ou subestimada.

Moderate intensity exercise training reverses functional aerobic impairment in HIV-infected individuals

HIV infection and HIV drug therapies result in physical and psychological challenges to those living with HIV. These conditions contribute to decreased functional aerobic capacity (FAC). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a combined moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercise intervention on the FAC of HIV-infected individuals. Forty HIV-infected individuals were randomized to an exercise group (EX) who completed six weeks of moderate-intensity exercise training, or to a control group (CON) that did not receive the exercise intervention. Twice weekly, the EX group completed 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic training followed by moderate-intensity resistance training. Prior to, and following, the intervention the FAC for each subject was determined by graded exercise treadmill stress test (GXT). At baseline testing, the mean FAC as determined by treadmill time-based estimation of maximal oxygen consumption was 25% below age-predicted values, a level of reduction indicating the presence of functional aerobic impairment (FAI). Following the intervention, the EX had a significant increase in time to fatigue and estimated VO(2) max (p<.001). Further, FAI was eliminated (1% above age predicted values) during the exercise training. The EX group also experienced decreased heart rates during Stages 1 (p=.02), 2 (p=.01), 4 (p=.05) and 6 (p=.02) of the GXT. The CON had no significant changes during the intervention period. These data indicate that six weeks of combined moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance training can improve FAC and eliminate FAI in those with HIV. Results suggest that the functional limitations common in HIV-infected individuals are due in part to detraining that is reversible through moderate exercise adherence.

Physical activity uptake in patients with HIV: who does how much?

Regular physical activity is recommended for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to help manage their disease. However, to date, little is known about levels of uptake of this advice. This study describes daily physical activity in HIV antibody-positive patients attending a public hospital infectious diseases clinic, compares them with those of patients attending the clinic for general infectious diseases and investigates compliance with the recommendations of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and American College of Sports Medicine physical activity guidelines. During April 2006, 261 patients completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form. One hundred and ninety-one reported being HIV antibody-positive. Results showed that 1:4 HIV antibody-positive and 1:3 HIV antibody-negative respondents failed to meet the recommended guidelines. These findings are of concern, given the evidence-based benefits of regular physical activity. Further work is needed to identify barriers to participation and interventions that can improve uptake.

Perceptions of health and self-care learning needs of outpatients with HIV/AIDS

Health promotion increases healthy behaviors, enhances health status, and decreases health care costs of chronically ill persons. As HIV has become a chronic illness, many HIV-positive persons may have health learning needs that affect their behaviors, health status, and health care costs. Health learning needs may be general or HIV specific. Social stigma may affect learning resource usage. We used Pender's Health Promotion Model and community-based health promotion principles as theoretical underpinnings for an exploratory study of perceived health and self-care learning needs, barriers, and preferred learning modalities of outpatients with HIV/AIDS. A nonrandom sample of 151 adults completed a researcher-designed self-report survey. Most (97%) expressed interest in health and self-care. Many identified multiple topics, learning barriers, and preferred learning modalities. A statistically significant difference (p=.027) was noted in communication needs of participants diagnosed with HIV versus AIDS. Findings have led to practice changes, health promotion activities, and further research.

Counteracting muscle wasting in HIV-infected individuals

HIV-infected persons often experience a loss of lean tissue mass, which includes decreases in skeletal muscle mass. This HIV-associated wasting is significant because it has been associated with accelerated disease progression and increased morbidity. Signalling related to several circulating molecules, including tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and testosterone, has been associated with the aetiology of muscle wasting. Additionally, nutritional status related to malnutrition and specific dietary deficiencies may be involved. In an attempt to counter muscle wasting in HIV-infected persons, treatments have been suggested that target these mechanisms. Nutritional supplementation, cytokine reduction, hormone therapy and resistance exercise training are potential treatments for this condition. Resistance exercise training, which is more easily accessible to this population than other treatments, holds promise in counteracting the process of HIV wasting, as it has been successfully used to increase lean tissue mass in healthy and clinical populations. This review will explore the HIV/AIDS muscle-wasting syndrome, its aetiology, and the treatments used to counteract wasting.

Physical activity, social support, and health-related quality of life among persons with HIV disease

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 800,000 to 900,000 Americans live with HIV disease (HIVD) and that it is transmitted to 40,000 others annually. Biomedical research has focused on finding a cause and cure, including early detection techniques and pharmacologic therapies to extend life. Meanwhile, persons with HIVD continue to face multiple challenges as they live with symptoms and the effects of treatment modalities that affect their quality of life. The purpose of this investigation was to identify and explore relations among physical activity (PA), social support, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in persons with HIVD who were living in community settings. Findings indicated a significant inverse correlation between participant's HRQOL and meeting moderate or vigorous PA recommendations from Healthy People 2010, but weekly frequency of participating in at least 30 min of moderate or vigorous PA was significantly (r = .49, p < . 01) correlated with HRQOL. Friend social support and weekly frequency of PA accounted for 37% of the variance in HRQOL in a regression analysis.

The benefits of exercise training for quality of life in HIV/AIDS in the post-HAART era

The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has served to significantly reduce the mortality of HIV-infected persons. However, this treatment is associated with a host of adverse effects: fatigue, nausea, pain, anxiety and depression. Rather than utilise traditional pharmacological treatments for these effects, many HIV/AIDS patients are utilising adjunct therapies to maintain their quality of life while they undergo treatment. Exercise has consistently been listed as one of the most popular self-care therapies and a small number of studies have been conducted to examine the impact of exercise on the most common self-reported symptoms of HIV and AIDS and the adverse effects of treatment. Although the results are generally positive, there are clear limitations to this work. The existing studies have utilised small samples and experienced high rates of attrition. In addition, the majority of the studies were conducted prior to the widespread use of HAART, which limits the ability to generalise these data. As a result, data from other chronic disease and healthy samples are used to suggest that exercise has the potential to be a beneficial treatment across the range of symptoms and adverse effects experienced by HIV-infected individuals. However, additional research is required with this population to demonstrate these effects.