Paper
Long-Term Participation in a Community-Based Fitness Program for Hispanic Adults Living with HIV Influences Health-Related Outcomes
- Authors:
- Alexis Ortiz; Farah Ramirez-Marrero; Martin Rosario; Heidi L. Venegas-Rios
- Abstract
- This study primarily evaluated the effects of a nine-month community-based exercise program on cardiometabolic risk factors and physical fitness for adults living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We evaluated several cardiometabolic measures (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and body composition), physical fitness variables (cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle strength and endurance, and flexibility), health status (Karnofsky) and immune profile (CD4) of adults living with HIV who participated in a community-based exercise program for a period of nine months. The exercise program adhered to guidelines from The American College of Sports Medicine and comprised of an aerobic, muscular strengthening/endurance, and neuromuscular training components. Participants were tested at baseline and every three months thereafter. Results showed positive changes in lipid profile (p < 0.040), body composition (p < 0.008), and muscle performance (p < 0.046) without affecting the immune system amongst the participants. In summary, it appears that adults living with HIV could benefit from participating in a community-based exercise programs without affecting their immune system.
- Keywords
- HIV; Fitness; Exercise; Cardiometabolic; Community Health
- StartPage
- 1
- EndPage
- 7
- Doi
- 10.18005/PTHP0201001