Abstract
As individuals affected by HIV/AIDS live longer due to the availability of HAART, the challenge to health care professionals is to manage and alleviate abnormalities associated with HAART. HIVlipodystrophy- altered body fat redistribution- is the most common stigmatising physical abnormality related to the use of HAART, which maybe alleviated by exercise participation. Currently, there is no reliable management standard care for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. However, there is sufficient evidence to support the benefits of exercise in adults with HIV infection. As various types of ARTs become available in the most HIV/AIDS stricken developing countries, there are inadequate studies to evaluate and promote exercise in alleviating HIV lipodystrophy and other related complications. The current paper reviews HIV-related lipodystrophy, related metabolic dysfunction, and the role of exercise in its management. The paper highlights the need to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise on HIV lipodystrophy syndrome. An emphasis needs to be put on raising awareness among health care professionals in Sub-Saharan Africa where the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is the highest in the world.
Highlights
The management of Human Immunedeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and development of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has evolved since the syndrome was first described
The use of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has improved the survival rate of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS (Scevola et al 2003)
The use of HAART may compromise the quality of life (QOL) of individuals using this type of therapy due to new emerging abnormalities (Carr et al 1999)
Summary
The management of Human Immunedeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and development of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has evolved since the syndrome was first described. The syndrome predominantly results in increased total cholesterols (TC), low density lipoproteins (LDL), triglycerides (TGs) and glucose levels and decreased high density lipoproteins (HDL) (Koutkia and Grinspoon 2004). The core aim of this review seeks to increase the awareness of the need for exercise research in the management of HIV metabolic complications associated with the use of HAART.
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