Exercise for People Living with HIV

Original Editor - Audrey Brown

Top Contributors - Melissa Coetsee, Kim Jackson, Audrey Brown and Lucinda hampton  

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Since the introduction of antiviral therapy, the prognosis of people living with HIV has greatly improved.[1] Regular physical activity and exercise are part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone, including people living with HIV.[2]

Considerations for People Living with HIV[edit | edit source]

People living with HIV may have a variety of psychological and physiological symptoms associated with the virus itself, the related medications, or a combination of both.[1] Due to these factors, their general well-being and overall quality of life are often reduced.

People living with HIV may exhibit metabolic changes with negative health implications. Some of these changes include increased blood lipids, central fat accumulation, lipodystrophy, and decreased aerobic capacity.[1]

Symptoms of HIV and treatment-related toxicities may include:[1]

  • Impaired glucose tolerance
  • Increased fatigue
  • Increased blood lipid profile
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Circulating cortisol
  • Higher visceral fat levels[3]
  • Obesity

Benefits of Physical Activity[edit | edit source]

Physical activity has numerous benefits, including:[2][4]

  • Maintains or builds muscle mass
  • Reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels (less risk of heart disease)
  • Increases energy throughout the day
  • Improved self-efficacy[5]
  • Reduced risk of obesity
  • Regulates bowel function
  • Strengthens bones (less risk of osteoporosis)
  • Improves blood circulation
  • Increases lung capacity
  • Helps with sound, restful sleep
  • Lowers stress
  • Improves appetite
  • Improves mood

Regular exercise can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cancer and may help reduce symptoms associated with the virus and negative treatment-related side effects. [2] It is important to note that, although there is a lack of strong evidence suggesting a beneficial effect of exercise on immune function in people living with HIV, short-term exercise performed at low, moderate, or even high intensities does not have any effect on disease progression or immune function in this population.[1]

Frequency of Physical Activity[edit | edit source]

People living with HIV can do the same types of physical activity and exercise as individuals who do not have HIV.

The Physical Activity Guidelines advise at least 150-300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity that increase the heart rate such as brisk walking, cycling, or jogging. The Guidelines also recommend some sort of muscle-strengthening activity, such as lifting weights or body-weight exercise, twice per week for adults. [6]

Before starting an exercise program, it is important to talk to your health care providers. Your health care team will consider your current health status and and co-existing medical conditions that may affect the type of exercise you can do.[4]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Jaggers JR, Hand GA. Health Benefits of Exercise for People Living With HIV: A Review of the Literature. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2014;10(3):184-192. Published 2014 Jun 16. doi:10.1177/1559827614538750
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/living-well-with-hiv/taking-care-of-yourself/exercise-and-physical-activity
  3. Hand GA, Lyerly GW, Jaggers JR, Dudgeon WD. Impact of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise on the Health of HIV-Infected Persons. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2009;3(6):489-499.
  4. 4.0 4.1 https://www.hiv.va.gov/patient/daily/exercise/index.asp
  5. Fillipas S, Oldmeadow LB, Bailey MJ, Cherry CL. A six-month, supervised, aerobic and resistance exercise program improves self-efficacy in people with human immunodeficiency virus: a randomised controlled trial. Aust J Physiother. 2006;52(3):185-90.
  6. https://health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/physical-activity-guidelines/current-guidelines/top-10-things-know