Effects of physical exercise in the perception of life satisfaction and immunological function in HIV-infected patients: Non-randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND there is a lack of research about the relationship between exercise and the psychological well-being of HIV-infected (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) patients. OBJECTIVE the objective of this study was to investigate the influence of a physical training program on life satisfaction and on the immunological function in HIV-patients. METHODS a total of 29 HIV-seropositive patients [age: 45 ± 2 yrs; Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.8 ± 1.0 kg/m² ; TCD4: 20.5 ± 2.0%] were allocated to the control (CG, n=10) and to the experimental groups (EG, n=19). The EG participated in an exercise program combining aerobic, strength, and flexibility exercises for a period of 12 weeks [3 times/week of 30 min of aerobic exercise (workload corresponding to 150 bpm-PWC150); 50 min of strength exercises (3 sets of 12 repetitions in 5 exercises at 60-80% 12 RM); and 10 min of flexibility exercises (2 sets of 30 seconds at maximal range of motion of 8 exercises)]. The immunological function was assessed by flow citometry [absolute and relative TCD4 cells counting] and the life satisfaction was assessed by the Life Satisfaction Index (LSI). RESULTS the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no significant differences for relative and absolute CD4 T counts for both groups, however, a slight enhancement trend in the EG [16%, p=0.19] was observed. There was a significant improvement of LSI [approximately 15%; P<0.05] in EG, but not for CG. CONCLUSION a physical activity program of moderate intensity improved life satisfaction perception in HIV-infected patients with no immunological function impairment.