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HIV and aerobic exercise. Current recommendations
1UCLA School of Medicine, USA. wstringer@email.msn.com
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
|January 7, 2000
Summary
Aerobic exercise training significantly improves aerobic capacity and quality of life in individuals with HIV, with no negative immune system effects. This safe and cost-effective therapy is recommended for HIV-positive patients.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Aerobic exercise is a key therapy for people living with HIV.
- Moderate exercise for 6-12 weeks improves aerobic capacity and immune function.
- Exercise benefits quality of life and is more cost-effective than hormone therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise training on HIV-positive individuals.
- To assess improvements in aerobic capacity, immune function, and quality of life.
- To compare exercise therapy with androgenic hormone administration.
Main Methods:
- Moderate aerobic exercise sessions (3x/week for 1 hour) over 6-12 weeks.
- Assessment of aerobic capacity (VO2max, lactic acidosis threshold).
- Evaluation of immune system markers (skin test reactivity) and quality of life.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in VO2max and lactic acidosis threshold.
- No detrimental effects observed on the immune system.
- Beneficial effects on skin test reactivity and quality of life.
- Lean body mass changes were less pronounced but exercise is cost-effective.
Conclusions:
- Aerobic exercise training is a safe and effective therapy for HIV-positive patients.
- Recommended for improving physical fitness and well-being in this population.
- Offers a cost-effective alternative to hormone therapy for certain benefits.