Undulatory Resistant Training Program on HIV-Infected People: case study

Abstract

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the concomitant development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the use of antiretroviral therapy cause damage to the body, such as dyslipidemias, cardiovascular problems and loss of muscle mass. Objective: To analyze the effect of an undulatory resistance training program on body composition, quality of life, muscular strength and flexibility of HIV/Aids patients. Methods: The sample were of 5 HIV/Aids patients, who were taking antiretroviral therapy. The program was conducted for 12 weeks (3 weekly sessions). The intensity oscillated in 60%, 70%, 80% and 90% of the maximum force, considering the last three intensities as stimulus and the first as regeneration. They were evaluated before and after the program regarding the anthropometric variables, body composition, muscle strength, flexibility and quality of life. The data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics, using the Graphpad Prism 3.0 program, adopting the significance level of p <0.05. Results: There was a significant increase of strength in leg extensor and flexibility was noted. The other variables analyzed did not show statistical alterations, however they presented relevant variations, the fat percentage (-15.83%), sum of skinfolds (-8.57%), lean mass (2.75%), basal metabolic rate (13.59%) and the mean of the quality of life domains (14.22%). Conclusion: the 12-week undulatory resistance training program for HIV/Aids patients was effective in increasing flexibility and muscle strength in the leg extension. However, there were no significant changes in body composition, immunological profile, quality of life and muscle strength (lying leg curls and bench press).