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Nonpharmacologic interventions [exercise] to improve quality of life of older adults with HIV
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de Luque, Carmen M. Canoa; Sánchez-Conde, Matildea,b; Brañas, Fátimac,d
Regular exercise is proposed as the most effective ‘polypill’ for addressing multiple age-related diseases [6]. It has been shown to prevent and provide therapeutic benefits for obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and certain cancers, such as breast and colorectal cancer.
Maintaining good functional capacity to promote well being in old age encompasses not only physical function but also cognitive function. Exercise has demonstrated global benefits in QOL and specific improvements in symptoms among PWH and cognitive impairment. A RCT investigating an aerobic exercise program – consisting of cycle ergometer sessions three times per week for 12 weeks – found that participants with HIV and cognitive impairment experienced significantly higher physical and overall QOL scores compared to the control group. Furthermore, the intervention group showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, with these benefits persisting for up to 3 months following the intervention [17]. A recent systematic review highlights exercise as a fundamental nonpharmacological intervention for managing individuals with HIV and cognitive impairment. Higher physical activity levels are associated with a reduced rate of cognitive decline, as well as improvements in QOL, alleviation of depressive symptoms, and enhanced adherence to treatment [18▪▪]. The characteristics of the main physical exercise programs with demonstrated benefits for the QOL of OAWH are summarized in Table 1
CONCLUSION
In summary, ensuring optimal QOL in OAWH should be a priority. Comprehensive strategies that not only assess QOL but also implement targeted interventions to enhance it across multiple dimensions are needed. Moreover, there is strong scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of nonpharmacological measures, such as exercise, socialization, and psychological support. Research has consistently shown that regular exercise improves both physical and mental health, fostering better mobility, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression. Similarly, social engagement plays a crucial role in emotional well being, helping to mitigate feelings of isolation and loneliness while promoting cognitive resilience. Additionally, psychological support has been demonstrated to enhance overall mental health.
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