Exercise training improves cardiovascular and autonomic profiles in HIV.
OBJECTIVE
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with cardiovascular (CV) and autonomic dysfunction, however the effects of fitness on vascular and autonomic mechanisms in HIV disease are unknown.


METHODS
We studied forty-eight subjects (40.4 +/- 4.2 years) in a cross-sectional design matched for age, gender, BMI, and fitness. Participants were assigned to 1 in 4 groups: 1) Healthy Unfit (HU), 2) Healthy Fit (HF), 3) HIV Positive Unfit (HPU), and 4) HIV Positive Fit (HPF). Fitness was assessed via open-circuit spirometry; arterial compliance and autonomic modulations were measured via applanation tonometry and power spectral analysis, respectively, and baroreflex sensitivity was obtained using the alpha index.


RESULTS
Arterial compliance was augmented in HPF vs. HPU [7.4 +/- 1.9 mmHg x second vs. 4.4 +/- 1.7 mmHg x second (P = 0.006)]. Parasympathetic modulation was higher in HPF vs. HPU [2244.5 +/- 2997.6 msecond(2) vs. 489.1 +/- 552.9 msecond(2) (P < 0.05)]. Sympathetic modulation was lower in HPF vs. HU [4.7 +/- 5.0 mmHg(2) vs. 12.9 +/- 9.7 mmHg(2) (P < 0.05)]. Baroreflex sensitivity was higher in HPF vs. HPU [17.3 +/- 10.2 msecond/mmHg vs. 7.4 +/- 3.8 msecond/mmHg (P = 0.003)], and HPF vs. HU [17.3 +/- 10.2 msecond/mmHg vs. 6.2 +/- 3.0 msecond/mmHg (P = 0.004)].


CONCLUSIONS
Augmentations in arterial compliance and baroreflex sensitivity associated with fitness portent an improved CV and autonomic profile for HIV-positive individuals. Physical activity may be an adjuvant method to enhance the overall vascular health in HIV-compromised individuals.
Spierer
David K
DK
Coler Goldwater Specialty Hospital and Nursing Facility, Roosevelt Island, NY, USA. david.spierer@liu.edu
DeMeersman
Ronald E
RE
Kleinfeld
Jay
J
McPherson
Eugene
E
Fullilove
Robert E
RE
Alba
Augusta
A
Zion
Adrienne S
AS
D000328:Adult; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D017704:Baroreflex; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010809:Physical Fitness