Exercise Training to Improve Brain Health in Older People Living With HIV: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Exercise Physiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• People living with HIV (PLWH) face higher risks of cognitive impairment and reduced brain integrity despite controlled viral loads.
• Existing research supports exercise for cognitive and brain health in older adults without HIV.
• Limited prospective studies explore exercise effects on cardiometabolic, neurocognitive, and neural health in PLWH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the effects of a 6-month exercise training intervention versus stretching on cardiorespiratory fitness, physical function, cognition, and neuroimaging measures in people living with HIV.
• To assess changes in brain volumes and cerebral blood flow in response to exercise.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized clinical trial involving 150 sedentary middle-aged to older PLWH (age ≥40) with undetectable viral load.
• Participants were randomized 2:1 to a 6-month exercise (endurance and strength) or stretching intervention, with personal training guidance.
• Measurements included cardiometabolic factors, cardiorespiratory fitness, cognitive performance, brain volumes, and cerebral blood flow via MRI.

Main Results:

• Recruitment and data collection were completed by December 2020.
• Data processing and organization concluded by December 2021.
• Data analysis commenced in January 2022, with primary aim results anticipated by early 2023.

Conclusions:

• The study investigated the benefits of a 6-month aerobic and resistance exercise intervention for people living with HIV.
• Results aim to guide clinicians and patients on exercise's potential to improve cognitive, functional, and cardiometabolic health in older PLWH.
• Compliance assessment will inform future exercise program development for PLWH.