Efficacy of aerobic exercise for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders receiving ART: An RCT.
Martins Nweke, Nombeko Mshunqane
PMID 39822344WHAT IT FOUND
A 12-week aerobic cycling programme significantly improved activity and participation levels in people with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders compared to controls.
However, these benefits did not persist at the 3-month follow-up, suggesting the effects were transient.
Key findings
01After 12 weeks, the exercise group showed significantly higher scores for overall activity and participation, emotional wellbeing, and social wellbeing compared to the control group.
02At the 3-month follow-up, there was no significant difference in activity and participation levels between the exercise and control groups.
03Both groups showed significant within-group improvements in activity and engagement levels from baseline to follow-up, with the control group also improving.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The effect on activity and participation was transient, disappearing by the 3-month follow-up. The control group also showed significant improvement, which may indicate a confounding factor or a strong placebo/education effect. Adherence to the exercise programme was low, potentially limiting the observed effects. There were baseline differences between groups in diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and ART adherence, which may have influenced outcomes.
Declared interests
The study was funded by the University of Pretoria through the UP Doctoral Bursary. No other conflicts of interest were declared.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that a 12-week aerobic exercise programme provides long-term benefits for activity and participation in this population. The study found that the significant improvements seen at the end of the intervention were not sustained at the 3-month follow-up, and the control group also improved over time.