Endurance exercise reduces symptoms and improves the quality of life for individuals with HIV or AIDS. According to the book "Exercise Management for Persons With Chronic Diseases and Disabilities" by the American College of Sports Medicine, endurance exercise recommendations and benefits vary among the three stages of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Understanding endurance training guidelines enables smart program design.
Exercise Duration and Intensity
The American College of Sports Medicine states that individuals with HIV or AIDS should limit exercise sessions to 90 minutes or less. Prolonged exercise can decrease post-exercise immune system function for 3 to 72 hours in all individuals. For example, certain t-cell functions are reduced and important antibodies are limited by long exercise sessions. The American College of Sports Medicine suggests heart rates of 60 to 75 percent max heart rate. Maximal heart rate refers to the highest number of heartbeats that can be performed in one minute.
Stage One
Stage I, called Asymptomatic HIV Seropositive, causes minimal symptoms. People in Stage I can follow similar endurance training programs as healthy individuals, such as training three to five days per week, using repetitive, large-muscle group exercises such as walking, running, swimming or cycling for 10 to 60 minutes per session. The American College of Sports Medicine lists endurance training benefits in Stage I as increased CD4 cells, possible delay in onset of symptoms and increased cardiovascular function. CD4 cells, or T-helper cells, are important for immune system function.
Stage Two
Stage II, or Early Symptomatic HIV, causes reduced exercise capacity through impaired cardiorespiratory function. The American College of Sports Medicine states Stage II individuals can increase aerobic capacity after three to six months of performing 20 to 60 minute exercise sessions, three to five days per week. Endurance exercise increases CD4 cells to a lesser degree during Stage II but can still diminish severity of symptoms.
Stage Three
Stage III, referred to as AIDS, dramatically reduces exercise capacity and cardiovascular responses to activity. Endurance exercise benefits during Stage III are inconclusive and vary among individuals. Exercise should be tailored to meet improvements or declines in aerobic capacity, reducing or increasing exercise frequency, intensity and duration as appropriate. Frequent assessment enables individualized training programs and safety.
Further Considerations
Conduct endurance training for HIV and AIDS in conjunction with medical treatment and advice. Blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature and health status should be evaluated before each exercise session. For example, an individual experiencing fatigue or diarrhea should abstain from exercise until symptoms subside. The American College of Sports Medicine states individuals with HIV or AIDS should obtain medical advice before starting any new fitness program.
References
- "Exercise Management for Persons With Chronic Diseases and Disabilities"; American College of Sports Medicine; 2003
- American Council on Exercise, Fit Facts PDF: AIDS and Exercise
