Resistance Training Improves Cognitive Function and Depression Without Changing BDNF Levels in People Living with HIV: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

The increased life expectancy provided by Antiretroviral Therapy(ART) has led to the incidence of different comorbidities in people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), especially comorbidities related to aging and mental health. Among these, cognitive impairment and depression increased in this population. Therefore, non-pharmacological strategies, such as physical exercise, have been studied to improve these outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks of resistance training(RT) on cognitive function and depression status in people with HIV. The sample consisted of 20 subjects (12 men and eight women), randomized in two groups: Control Group (CG, n = 9) and Training Group (TG, n = 11). Cognitive function (Stroop Test), depression status (Beck Depression Inventory- BDI), and plasma levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) were assessed before and after the resistance training intervention. The results indicated thatRT was able to promote significant improvements in the cognitive domains and reduce symptoms of depression (ΔCG: 1.56 ± 2.46; ΔTG -3.18 ± 1.66, P > 0.001). Regarding BDNF, no significant change was observed (P > 0.05). In conclusion, eight weeks ofRT improves cognitive function and depression status in people with HIV, without changing the circulating BDNF levels (NCT03879993).