Yakasai A.1, Mahraj S.1
1University of KwaZulu-Natal, Department of Physiotherapy, Durban, South Africa
Background: The cardiovascular product also known as rate-pressure product (RPP) determines the clinical patency of the heart as it indicates the myocardial oxygen demand by multiplying heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals have a high prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) affecting aerobic capacity and cardiovascular status. Aerobic (AE) and progressive resisted exercises (PRE) improves cardio-respiratory fitness and aerobic capacity but there is uncertainty to the persons with HIV related distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSPN).
Purpose: The trial was to explore the effectiveness of AE and PRE on RPP, SBP and HR in individuals with HIV/AID-related DSPN.
Methods: 136 persons living with HIV/AIDS related DSPN with mean age 36.79±8.23 completed the study. A purposive technique was used in recruiting the subjects and randomized into three groups [AE (n=45), PRE (n=44) and control group (n=47]). The AE group cycled on ergometer, PRE used quadriceps bench while the control group were awaiting list group.
Results: There were significant differences for HR, SBP and RPP within AE and PRE groups (p 0.05) at baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention. In contrast, there was no significant difference in control group between baseline and 12week post intervention (p=0.618; p=0.446 and p= 0.913). However, there was only significant difference at baseline between groups in HR, and significant differences between groups in all variables at 12 weeks post intervention (0.05).
Conclusion(s): These results indicate that AE and PRE are beneficial for people living with HIV related DSPN and can be used to improve the RPP in those that have no contra-indications for exercises.
Implications: The results of this study suggest that it is desirable to screen for cardiovascular risk factors during the routine management of HIV-infected individuals in sub-Sahara Africa as done in industrialized nations.
Funding acknowledgements: The research was funded by College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Durban South Africa.
Topic: Cardiorespiratory
Ethics approval: Approved by Biomedical Research Ethics Committee, University of KwaZulu-Natal Durban, South Africa (BFC413/15).
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
