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Exergaming in Older People Living with HIV Improves Balance, Mobility and Ameliorates Some Aspects of Frailty
Published on: October 6, 2016
Exercise training improves cardiovascular and autonomic profiles in HIV
David K Spierer1, Ronald E DeMeersman, Jay Kleinfeld
1Coler Goldwater Specialty Hospital and Nursing Facility, Roosevelt Island, NY, USA. david.spierer@liu.edu
Summary
Fitness improves cardiovascular and autonomic function in individuals with HIV. Regular physical activity can enhance vascular health and baroreflex sensitivity in those with HIV.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Autonomic Nervous System Function
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is linked to cardiovascular and autonomic dysfunction.
- The impact of physical fitness on these mechanisms in HIV-positive individuals remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of fitness on vascular and autonomic function in HIV-positive individuals.
- To compare cardiovascular and autonomic parameters between fit and unfit HIV-positive and healthy individuals.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 48 participants categorized into four groups: Healthy Unfit (HU), Healthy Fit (HF), HIV Positive Unfit (HPU), and HIV Positive Fit (HPF).
- Fitness was assessed using spirometry.
- Arterial compliance, autonomic modulations (parasympathetic and sympathetic), and baroreflex sensitivity were measured using applanation tonometry, power spectral analysis, and the alpha index, respectively.
Main Results:
- HIV-positive fit individuals (HPF) exhibited significantly higher arterial compliance compared to HIV-positive unfit individuals (HPU).
- HPF demonstrated augmented parasympathetic modulation and enhanced baroreflex sensitivity compared to HPU.
- Sympathetic modulation was lower in HPF compared to healthy unfit individuals (HU).
Conclusions:
- Increased arterial compliance and baroreflex sensitivity in fit HIV-positive individuals suggest an improved cardiovascular and autonomic profile.
- Physical activity may serve as a beneficial adjunct therapy to improve vascular health in individuals living with HIV.
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