Effect of AerobicandProgressive Resistance Training on Functional Capacity, Quality of Life and CD4 Count in People with HIV/AIDS

Vaiyapuri Anandh; Ivor Peter D�SA; Jagatheesan Alagesan

Volume : III, Issue : VII, July - 2014

Effect of AerobicandProgressive Resistance Training on Functional Capacity, Quality of Life and CD4 Count in People with HIV/AIDS

Vaiyapuri Anandh, Ivor Peter D Sa, Jagatheesan Alagesan

Abstract :

Background : Exercise training in the management of HIV/AIDS patient is not under research in India and if proper exercise training is been proved then quality of life for the HIV affected patients will improve significantly and it might set a new dimension in exercise training. This is the first study in India tried with aerobic and progressive resistance training program for HIV- infected persons to improve functional capacity, Quality of Life and CD4 Count in People with HIV/AIDS. The present study aims to find the effect of Aerobic and Progressive Resistance Training onFunctional capacity, Quality of Life and CD4 Count in People with HIV/AIDS. Methods : A total of 36 participants were selected by Simple Random Sampling method for the study based on selection criteria were allocated to Aerobic Training Group, Progressive Resistance Training Group and the Control Group with 12 subjects in each group. Aerobic training with intensity of 50% during firstmonth, 60% during second month and 70%during thirdmonthof target heart rate by Karvonen�s Formula, Progressive Resistance Trainingaccording to DeLorme�s Protocol with intensity of exercise (10 RM) calculated every week. Control group was advised not to do any training, but to carry on their Activities of daily living. Functional capacity was assessed by Six Minute Walk Test, Quality Of Life was assessed by MOS-HIV Health Survey and Immune System was assessed by CD4 count. All three outcome measures were tested by blinded evaluator. Results : 36 subjects were recruited for the study and randomly divided in to 3 groups with Mean�SD age of 42.21�5.92 years. Three groups were homogenous at base line in all three outcome measures. Aerobic Exercise, Progressive Resistance group showed significant improvement in all three outcome measures with p < 0.05 where as control group showed no change in CD4 count and quality of life and detrimental change in 6 minute walk test. Conclusion : This study concludes that aerobic training and progressive resistance training can be recommended with confidence for improving functional capacity, immune system and quality of lifeand also a better adjunct to pharmacological therapy for people living with HIV/AIDS.