Background and purpose: Anti-retroviral therapy has raised life expectancy of HIV⁺ patients, but, it is associated with some adverse effects. Physical exercise as a non-pharmacological approach could be helpful in reducing some adverse effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of resistance training (RT) and lifestyle modification program (LMP) on TCD+ cell count and body composition of HIV⁺ patients.
Materials and methods: In a clinical trial, HIV⁺ patients (n=31) were randomly assigned into the following groups: RT (n=12), LMP (n=13), and control (n=6). In RT group, trainings were carried out using elastic bands (3 times a week/ 8 weeks). Participants in LMP did recreational sport activities and attended life style modification classes (twice a week/ 8 weeks). The control group was observed without any intervention. TCD4+cell count and body composition characteristics were assessed before and after the study.
Results: Compared with LMP, RT significantly improved anthropometric characteristics
(P< 0.05). TCD4+cell counts increased significantly in both intervention groups, compared to those of the control group (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: Interventions in current study, as non-pharmacological therapy, could be used alongside anti-retroviral therapy to improve immune competence and counteracting with unwanted changes in body composition of people with HIV.
 
(Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT201604034076N18)