title: Autonomic Function is Associated with Fitness Level in HIV-Infected Individuals.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cardiovascular fitness can improve autonomic function (AF) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study investigating relationship between AF and cardiovascular fitness in HIV+ individuals on antiretroviral therapy. Participants' (n=29) maximal oxygen consumption (VO2MAX) were assessed by graded exercise test and scaled allometrically, then divided into tertiles by fitness level (Unfit, Low-fit, and Moderately-fit). Heart rate variability (HRV) and the Autonomic Reflex Screen were used to assess AF.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Median VO2MAXwere 104.9, 130.5, and 150.2 mL•kg-.67•min-1for Unfit (n=10), Low-fit (n=10), and Moderately-fit (n= 9) groups respectively (p<0.05). Positive correlations were found between VO2MAXand HRV (Spearman's rho range 0.383 to 0.553) were found. Quantitative Sudomotor Axon Reflex Test (QSART) Distal Leg volumes was lower in Unfit compared to Low-fit (p=0.007) and Moderately-fit groups (p=0.018). Unfit QSART total volumes was lower than Moderately-fit (p=0.014).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A positive relationship existed between AF and fitness levels. HIV+ individuals could benefit from improved fitness.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitative Science, College of Education, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, USA.
authors.forename: Morgan H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Kocher
authors.affiliation: Hawaii Center for AIDS, Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, USA.
authors.forename: Ronald K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Hetzler
authors.affiliation: Math and Science Department, Kapiolani Community College, Honolulu, HI, USA.
authors.forename: Cecilia M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Shikuma
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Straub Clinic & Hospital, Honolulu, HI, USA.
authors.forename: Iris F
authors.initials: IF
authors.lastname: Kimura
authors.forename: Cris D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Stickley
authors.forename: Rachel A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Lindsey
authors.forename: Beau K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Nakamoto
authors.forename: Dominic C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Chow
keywords: Autonomic Nervous System; Autonomic Reflex Screen; HIV; Heart Rate Variability; VO2MAX