Effects of an Exercise Programme with People Living with HIV: Research in a Disadvantaged Setting

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to analyse the physical health effects of a community based 10-week physical activity programme with people living with HIV. It was developed; implemented and evaluated in a disadvantaged community in South Africa. A pre-post research design was chosen. Major recruitment and adherence challenges resulted in a small sample. Among the 23 participants who took part in both baseline and final testing; compliant participants (n = 12) were compared to non-compliant participants (n = 11). Immunological (CD4; viral load); anthropometric (height; weight; skinfolds and waist to hip ratio); muscular strength (h1RM) and cardiopulmonary fitness (time on treadmill) parameters were measured. The compliant and non-compliant groups were not different at baseline. Muscular strength was the parameter most influenced by compliance with the physical activity programme (F = 4.516; p = 0.047). Weight loss and improvement in cardiopulmonary fitness were restricted by the duration of the programme; compliance and influencing factors (e.g. nutrition; medication). The increase in strength is significant and meaningful in the context; as the participants' goals were to look healthy and strong to avoid HIV related stigma. The improvements in appearance were a motivational factor; especially since the changes were made visible in a short time. Practical implications for health promotion are described. More research contextualised in disadvantaged settings is needed