title: Effects of physical exercise in the perception of life satisfaction and immunological function in HIV-infected patients: Non-randomized clinical trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  there is a lack of research about the relationship between exercise and the psychological well-being of HIV-infected (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) patients.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  the objective of this study was to investigate the influence of a physical training program on life satisfaction and on the immunological function in HIV-patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  a total of 29 HIV-seropositive patients [age: 45 ± 2 yrs; Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.8 ± 1.0 kg/m² ; TCD4: 20.5 ± 2.0%] were allocated to the control (CG, n=10) and to the experimental groups (EG, n=19). The EG participated in an exercise program combining aerobic, strength, and flexibility exercises for a period of 12 weeks [3 times/week of 30 min of aerobic exercise (workload corresponding to 150 bpm-PWC150); 50 min of strength exercises (3 sets of 12 repetitions in 5 exercises at 60-80% 12 RM); and 10 min of flexibility exercises (2 sets of 30 seconds at maximal range of motion of 8 exercises)]. The immunological function was assessed by flow citometry [absolute and relative TCD4 cells counting] and the life satisfaction was assessed by the Life Satisfaction Index (LSI).
  
  
  RESULTS
  the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no significant differences for relative and absolute CD4 T counts for both groups, however, a slight enhancement trend in the EG [16%, p=0.19] was observed. There was a significant improvement of LSI [approximately 15%; P<0.05] in EG, but not for CG.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  a physical activity program of moderate intensity improved life satisfaction perception in HIV-infected patients with no immunological function impairment.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Physical Education and Sports, Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
authors.forename: Rodrigo D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Gomes
authors.forename: Juliana P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Borges
authors.forename: Dirce B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Lima
authors.forename: Paulo T V
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Farinatti
mesh_terms: D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction