PROGRESSIVE RESISTANCE TRAINING IN ELDERLY LIVING WITH HIV

Abstract

Background: Elderly people present alterations on body composition and physical fitness, compromising their life quality. Chronic diseases, including HIV/AIDS, worsen this situation. Resistance exercises are prescribed for improving fitness and promoting a healthier and independent aging. Objective: This study describes a case-series of HIV positive elderly participating in a progressive resistance training program and evaluates their body composition, muscular strength, physical fitness. Methods: Subjects were prospectively recruited for nine months. Training program consisted of 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions of leg press, seated row, lumbar extension and chest press, performed with free weights machines, 2 times/week during 1 year. Infectious diseases physicians followed patients, reporting all relevant clinical data. Body composition was assessed by anthropometric measures and by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry before and after the training program. Results: 14 patients, aged 61-69 years old, of both genders, without regular physical activity and with an average 9 years HIV/AIDS history were enrolled. Strength of major muscular groups increased (74%-122%, p = 0.003-0.021), with a corresponding improvement on sit-standing and walking 2.4 m tests (p = 0.003). There were no changes on clinical conditions and on body composition measures, but triceps and thigh skinfolds significantly reduced (p = 0.037). Conclusion: Resistance training increased strength, reduced upper and lower limbs skinfolds and significantly improved physical fitness, without significant side effects.