Exercise Interventions Conducted Among Individuals with Co-occurring HIV and Unhealthy Substance Use: A Systematic...

Unhealthy substance use and physical inactivity are prevalent co-occurring risk factors for morbidity and mortality among people with HIV (PWH). Evidence-based exercise interventions targeting both risk factors are limited. We conducted a literature search across seven databases for relevant articles published through 05/07/24. Studies qualified if they involved: (a) PWH ≥ 18 years old who engage in unhealthy substance use; (b) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-experimental designs; and (c) an exercise intervention. Two researchers independently completed the Cochrane Data Collection Form and Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool. PROSPERO registry: CRD42023473582. Out of 6916 potentially qualifying studies, 46 underwent full-text review, and 7 studies qualified (6 pilot RCTs & 1 quasi-experimental). Most (k = 6) were conducted in the US. Sample sizes ranged from 16 to 73 participants and retention rates ranged from 42 to 100%. Interventions met at least 1x/week for 6-24 weeks and consisted of supervised progressive overload aerobic/resistance training (k = 3), home-based training with virtual behavioral counseling (k = 1), yoga (k = 2), and tai-chi with cognitive behavioral therapy (k = 1). Despite inconsistent assessment tools and outcomes measured, exercise interventions were significantly (p < 0.05) and positively associated with outcomes relating to improving HIV, substance use, physical activity, strength/fall risk, quality of life/stress, and pain relief. All studies were high quality with low risk of bias, safe, and feasible. Despite small sample sizes and heterogeneity across studies, evidence from this systematic review supports the use of exercise to improve a variety of health outcomes among PWH with unhealthy substance use.