Effects of strength training on morphological changes of lipodystrophy in people living with HIV: A quasi-experimental non-randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Lipodystrophy syndrome in people living with HIV (PLHIV) is an adverse effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART), characterized by morphological changes that contribute to the social stigma associated with the disease.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of a strength training intervention on the morphological changes associated with lipodystrophy in PLHIV.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental, non-randomized controlled trial was conducted over 12 weeks with 40 PLHIV (70 % male), divided into Training (TG) and Control (CG) groups (20 each). Participants were HIV-positive, had lipodystrophy, were on ART, over 18 years old, and inactive for at least three months. The TG completed 12 weeks of strength training (36 sessions), assessed by DXA and anthropometry, while the CG was evaluated on the same variables before and after the period. Comparative statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Strength training significantly reduced fat mass in the upper limbs (-4.5 %; p = 0.049) and lower limbs (-8.6 %; p = 0.036), and abdominal circumference (-0.7 %; p = 0.039). Total lean mass increased by 4.6 % (p = 0.007), with significant increases in the upper limbs (+5.7 %; p = 0.001) and trunk (+4.9 %; p = 0.006). Participants with less ART exposure showed greater increases in lean mass in the upper limbs (+5.2 %; p = 0.002) and trunk (5.6 %; p = 0.008). No significant changes were observed in the CG.

CONCLUSION

Strength training improved body composition in PLHIV with lipodystrophy, especially those with less ART exposure. Further studies are needed to assess early interventions.