Abstract
Purpose: People living with HIV (PLHIV) are at an increased risk for many chronic diseases due, in part, to low physical activity (PA) levels. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity patterns and health-related fitness indicators of adults living with HIV in South Texas. Methods: Participants (N = 172) were mostly Hispanic/Latino (n = 105) adults with HIV. Measurements included a 7-day Physical Activity Recall (PAR) assessing light, moderate, and vigorous PA; a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) to assess cardiovascular fitness; a hand grip strength test to assess muscular strength; a back scratch test for flexibility; and anthropometrics (body mass index (BMI) and hip-waist ratio). Data were analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics, an independent samples t-test, Pearson’s correlations and partial correlations, and a hierarchical multiple regression analysis (HMRA). Results: There was a significant relationship between total PA and muscular strength. Light and total PA were associated with lower hip-waist ratios. In Hispanics/Latinos, both moderate and total PA were associated with muscular strength. All findings remained after controlling for age. Hispanics/Latinos had higher hip-waist ratios than non-Hispanics/Latinos. Conclusions: Results suggest a relationship between PA and muscular strength as well as between PA and hip-waist ratio for this population of adults living with HIV, but not between PA and other health-related fitness indicators. There appears to be some benefit associated with even low intensity PA for PLHIV. Future intervention studies may wish to examine strategies to increase PA- particularly that of moderate and vigorous intensity- in PLHIV.
Highlights
Research shows that nearly everyone benefits from engaging in physical activity (PA)
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the physical activity patterns and health-related fitness indicators of adults living with HIV in South Texas
This study examined the relationship between the physical activity patterns and health-related fitness indicators of adults living with HIV in South Texas
Summary
Research shows that nearly everyone benefits from engaging in physical activity (PA). It is known to improve cardiorespiratory fitness (Webel et al 2019a), strength, and body composition in HIV-infected individuals (Botros et al 2012) It can help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and several types of cancer. Another systematic review (O’Brien et al 2017) determined that performing resistive exercise or a combination of resistive and aerobic exercise at least three times per week for at least six weeks is safe and can improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, weight, and body composition in adults living with HIV. Adults with chronic conditions should do muscle strengthening activities of moderate or greater intensity and that involve all major muscle groups on two or more days per week, as these activities provide additional health benefits (USDHHS 2018). New interventions to improve PA for PLHIV are needed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
