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Review
. 2017 Aug;29(4):347-363.
doi: 10.1521/aeap.2017.29.4.347.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Physical Exercise Interventions in Persons Living With HIV: Overview of Systematic Reviews

Emiko Kamitani  1 , Theresa Ann Sipe  2 , Darrel H Higa  2 , Mary M Mullins  2 , Jesus Soares  3 ; CDC HIV/AIDS Prevention Research Synthesis (PRS) Project
Affiliations
Review

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Physical Exercise Interventions in Persons Living With HIV: Overview of Systematic Reviews

Emiko Kamitani et al. AIDS Educ Prev. 2017 Aug.

Abstract

Physical exercise (PE) has not been well studied in persons living with HIV (PLHIV). We conducted an overview of systematic reviews to assess the effectiveness of PE and to determine the most appropriate PE regimen for PLHIV. We used the CDC's Prevention Research Synthesis Project's database and manual searches to identify systematic reviews published between 1996 and 2013. We qualitatively synthesized the findings from five reviews to assess the effectiveness of PE and conducted meta-analyses on CD4 counts to identify the best PE regimen. PE is associated with reduced adiposity and depression, but was not associated with a decrease in HIV viral load. CD4 counts were improved by interventions with interval aerobic or 41-50 minutes of exercise three times per week compared with other modes and duration of exercise. PE appears to benefit PLHIV, but more research is needed to help develop appropriate PE strategies specifically for PLHIV.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
PRISMA flowchart for screening: Systematic reviews.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Forest plot for CD4 counts (cell/mm3) changes in exercise intervention group compared to non-exercise control group (k = 11).
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Forest plot for CD4 counts (cell/mm3) changes by mode of exercise (k = 10).
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Forest plot for CD4 counts (cell/mm3) changes by duration of exercise session (k = 10).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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