Abstract 15285: Exercise Adherence Among Older Persons With Hiv: Characteristics and Performance

Abstract

Introduction: Despite optimal treatment adherence, the inflammatory response associated with HIV remains, which leads to premature vascular aging and a heightened risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Persons with HIV (PWH) are twice as likely to develop CVD at an average of 8 years earlier than non-HIV infected persons. Routine aerobic exercise as recommended by the AHA guidelines has been shown to lower inflammation, reduce cardiovascular risk factors and to benefit overall health. AHA guidelines recommend moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of at least 150 minutes per week, but less than 50% of the general population meets this standard and little is known about these parameters in older PWH (OPWH). Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to examine adherence to a moderate intensity exercise regimen among OPWH (n=76). Methods: All participants (mean age 55 +/- 5.2, 65% male, 82% Black) were evaluated at baseline (BL) for cardiorespiratory fitness and target HR using the modified Balke VO2 test. Participants were provided an exercise prescription based on their individual target HR at 60 - 70 % max for at least 240 minutes per week and provided with activity trackers to monitor exercise adherence. Each participant was remotely monitored at regular intervals using MI techniques to determine exercise intensity and adherence to exercise prescription. Results: Mean exercise adherence at 3-, 6-, and 12-months was 63%, 60% and 61% respectively. Higher adherence was associated with higher baseline VO 2 max and reported lower sleep disturbance, perceived stress, fatigue, and pain as well as greater emotional support throughout the study. Persons with higher adherence to exercise were also associated with greater improvement in vascular function measured by flow-mediated dilation at 6-months. Conclusions: OPLWH participating in an aerobic exercise program for 1 year consistently exceeded the recommended 150 minutes/week of moderate intensity exercise by 10+% more than the general population. Exercise adherent participants achieved a high degree of cardiovascular activity and a reduction in physical/emotional deterrents to exercise which may lead to reduced CVD risk.