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Effectiveness of Exercise on Sarcopenia in Hiv Patients: A Systematic Review of Current Literature Publisher Pubmed



Seyedalinaghi S1, 2 ; Mehraeen E3 ; Mirzapour P1 ; Rahimzadeh P4 ; Abbasi Yazdi A5 ; Roozbahani MM1 ; Mirzaee Godarzee H6 ; Molla A7 ; Soltanali Z8 ; Ghayomzadeh M1 ; Hackett D9
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Research Development Center, Arash Women Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Health Information Technology, Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, Khalkhal, Iran
  4. 4. Surgical Research Society (SRS), Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Department of Health and Management, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
  6. 6. School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  7. 7. School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
  8. 8. School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
  9. 9. Physical Activity, Lifestyle, Ageing and Wellbeing Faculty Research Group, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

Source: AIDS care Published:2025


Abstract

Exercise is vital in managing sarcopenia in people living with HIV (PLWH). This study explores the role of exercise in reducing sarcopenia in HIV patients. A systematic search of electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identifed relevant articles published in English up to April 2024. Inclusion criteria were: 1) humans aged 18 or older, 2) clinical trials involving exercise interventions, 3) outcomes addressing aging-related effects, and 4) English-language original articles. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS).Ten studies with 2039 participants met the criteria. Exercise interventions included resistance training, cardiorespiratory training, and combined approaches at various intensities. Regular exercise can help prevent muscle wasting in PLWH and mitigate age-related sarcopenia. HIV itself is a risk factor for sarcopenia, but resistance training combined with moderate to high-intensity cardiorespiratory training, can increase muscle mass, reducing sarcopenia risk and improving life expectancy in PLWH. The findings emphasize the effectiveness of exercise, particularly combined resistance and cardiorespiratory training, in mitigating sarcopenia in PLWH. Healthcare providers are urged to promote exercise interventions as a preventive measure against sarcopenia in this clinical population.