Effectiveness of exercise on sarcopenia in HIV patients: a systematic review of current literature

Exercise is vital in managing sarcopenia in people living with HIV (PLWH). This study explores the role of exercise in reducing sarcopenia in HIV patients. A systematic search of electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identifed relevant articles published in English up to April 2024. Inclusion criteria were: 1) humans aged 18 or older, 2) clinical trials involving exercise interventions, 3) outcomes addressing aging-related effects, and 4) English-language original articles. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS).Ten studies with 2039 participants met the criteria. Exercise interventions included resistance training, cardiorespiratory training, and combined approaches at various intensities. Regular exercise can help prevent muscle wasting in PLWH and mitigate age-related sarcopenia. HIV itself is a risk factor for sarcopenia, but resistance training combined with moderate to high-intensity cardiorespiratory training, can increase muscle mass, reducing sarcopenia risk and improving life expectancy in PLWH. The findings emphasize the effectiveness of exercise, particularly combined resistance and cardiorespiratory training, in mitigating sarcopenia in PLWH. Healthcare providers are urged to promote exercise interventions as a preventive measure against sarcopenia in this clinical population.