Factors associated with physical function capacity in an urban cohort of people living with the human immunodeficiency virus in South Africa.

This analysis used only baseline measurements from a single-blind randomised trial, so it describes associations at one time point and cannot show that any factor caused lower walking distance. Only 17 participants reported a past pulmonary tuberculosis history, and it was self-reported, so the study had limited ability to detect a real tuberculosis effect. Pulmonary function tests were not performed, and time since tuberculosis diagnosis or treatment may have varied, so lung damage from past tuberculosis could not be assessed. The sample was recruited from one Johannesburg clinic and selected for an exercise trial, and all participants could walk without an assistive device, so the findings may not apply to people with more severe mobility problems, active tuberculosis, or more advanced disease. The prediction equation was generated from these 84 participants and was not validated in another group.

Do not conclude that past tuberculosis has no long-term effect on physical function. Only 17 participants reported a past tuberculosis history, it was self-reported, and pulmonary function tests were not performed.