Aerobic interval training for people with HIV / AIDS and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases

Abstract

Introduction and objective: Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases associated with infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are diseases with a very negative prognosis for patients. Joint actions must be made available to reduce health problems and mortality. In this scenario, physical exercise is an important part of the treatment, however, there seems to be no experience in analyzing people living with HIV / AIDS (PLWHA) and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases submitted to interval aerobic exercise protocols. Therefore, the objective of the present experiment was to verify the effect of this type of training on TCD4 + lymphocytes and cardiorespiratory capacity, on users of the Unified Health System, attended at a university hospital in the south of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. Materials and methods: The aerobic interval training, performed on a treadmill three times a week, was prescribed based on maximal exercise test results, using percentages of 40% and 60% of the maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂ peak) for an evaluation of the training intensities. The accepted level of significance was p <0.05. Results: The sample consisted of six individuals, with an average age of 55.33 ± 9.0 years. The main results of the pre- and post-intervention analysis show that the training program was sufficient for significant additions of TCD4 + lymphocytes, metabolic coefficient (MET), VO₂ peak and number of repetitions in the sit and stand test. Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that interval exercise can improve the immune system and physical aptitude, which may have mitigated the losses related to the diseases involved.