HIV is a progressive, destructive immune disease, and determining whether aerobic exercise provides beneficial physical and functional changes over a longer period of time is paramount. Intuitively, if aerobic exercise provides positive physiological training effects over a shorter period one could expect this trend to continue over a longer time period. However, the pathology of HIV and the immune system destruction over time may in turn prevent or lessen the beneficial physical changes derived from prolonged aerobic exercise training. With advances and extensive use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), morbidity has improved and longevity increased. However, HAART and advances in antiretroviral therapy has contributed to potentially harmful side effects. Since HAART was introduced lipid abnormalities, insulin resistance, osteopenia and increased risk of cardiac diseases have emerged. Also, another reported side effect from HAART, after six months of use, has been peripheral lipodystrophy and decrease in lean body mass.

• Share this page
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•