Physical activity counseling for people living with HIV: A scoping review

To explore evidence on physical activity counseling for people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Searches covered earliest records in PubMed (1946), Embase (1947), Web of Science (1900), Scopus (1788), and LILACS (1982) up to August 31, 2024. Studies investigating physical activity counseling in healthcare settings were included. Extracted data comprised author, year, country, sample characteristics, study design, objectives, theoretical framework, type and intensity, frequency, duration, strategies, professionals involved, and outcomes.

Sixteen studies were included, most in the United States (n = 8; 50 %), predominantly involving adults (n = 12; 75 %) and both sexes (n = 12; 75 %), with a sample of 1458 participants. Motivational interviewing was the most frequent theoretical (n = 6; 37.5 %). Walking was the most counseled (n = 6; 37.5 %), usually recommended weekly (n = 9; 56.3 %), with sessions ranging from 15 to 90 min. Counseling intensity varied across light, moderate, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. More than half of the studies (n = 11; 68.8 %) reported increases in physical activity levels.

Counseling shows potential to promote active lifestyles among PLHIV, particularly when based on behavioral theories, though challenges remain regarding the description of strategies and adaptation to this population.