Physical activity is associated with reduced fatigue in adults living with HIV/AIDS.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to describe the relationships among home-based physical activity, fatigue, sleep, gender and quality of life in people living with HIV/AIDS

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is a common and distressing symptom among people living with HIV/AIDS. Few interventions exist that effectively reduce fatigue in this population. Physical activity has shown promise to reduce fatigue in other populations, but its impact on fatigue in HIV/AIDS has not yet been explored.

DESIGN

This study was conducted using a prospective, descriptive cohort design.

METHODS

Overall, 90 adults living with HIV/AIDS completed cross-sectional measures. Home-based physical activity was measured using a 7-day self-report diary. Fatigue was measured using the self-reported HIV-Related Fatigue Scale. Sleep was assessed using wrist actigraphy and quality of life was assessed using the HIV-Associated Quality of Life Scale. Data were collected from December 2012-April 2013 and analysed using correlations and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

The number of minutes of home-based physical activity was significantly associated with reduced fatigue among people living with HIV/AIDS. In addition, increased fatigue was associated with decreased quality of life. No associations were found among fatigue, sleep or gender.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that physical activity in the home setting is an effective strategy to reduce fatigue among people living with HIV/AIDS. Future work developing and testing interventions to improve home-based physical activity in this population is needed.