Journal of Labor and Childbirth

Physical Activity Associated With HIV

 Sedentaryv behaviour, widely prevalent in developed countries is associated with a variety of diseases and with increased mortality. However, physical activity clearly demonstrates beneficial effects on several health issues, including cardiovascular and all causes of mortality. Among beneficial impacts of exercise we can identify a robust effect on cardiovascular outcomes inducing improvements in lipoproteins and body composition that are translated into reductions in risk of coronary disease, cardiac and probably stroke events, and cardiovascular deaths. In this way, aerobic exercise improves insulin sensitivity, glycemic and blood pressure control, decreasing the risk of new onset diabetes, hypertension and obesity (with secondary beneficial effects). Besides this, a modest effect in prevention of breast, intestinal and pancreatic cancer and an increment in bone mineral density (indeed reductions in hip fracture risks in patients with osteoporosis) have been established. Neurocognitive improvements (with reductions of stress, anxiety, depression and probably delays in cognitive decline and dementia development in older patients) are well known and should also be considered. With highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) introduction, we have witnessed a significant increase in survival and improvement in the quality of life of HIV infected patients in developed countries. Consequently, common disease in general population (such as cardiovascular ones) and side effects related to HAART (like lipodystrophy) have become a new focus of attention in these patients. In this way, physical activity has been recommended previously in HIV to induce favourable metabolic changes and reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.   

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