Goals, Achievements, and Challenges of Physical Activity Programs for HIV Patients

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is no longer considered a terminal disease but a chronic disease thanks to the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART). However, HIV and HAART have generated a series of health complications that reduce the quality of life and impose yet another physical and emotional burden to those living with the infection. The use of complementary nonpharmachologic therapies to prevent and control these health complications includes the integration of physical activities and exercises of moderate intensities. The purpose of this paper is to revise the scientific and practical evidence regarding the inclusion of physical activities and exercises in the management and control of health complications associated with HIV infection.