THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE FOR HIV PATIENTS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This article presents the main results of an integrative review on the importance of physical exercise for HIV patients. The research aimed to analyze the impact of exercise on the quality of life, muscle strength, immune function and mental health of individuals with HIV. The review included seven articles published between 2010 and 2023, selected through a search in the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. The results indicated that regular physical exercise has significant effects on improving the quality of life of people with HIV, covering physical, psychological and social aspects. Furthermore, exercise has been shown to be beneficial for muscle strength, preventing muscle loss associated with virus infection. There has been evidence that exercise can also improve immune function, with increased CD4+ T-cell counts and reduced immune activation. Furthermore, physical exercise has been associated with reducing depression, anxiety and stress, contributing to the mental health of people with HIV. These findings highlight the importance of physical exercise as a complementary strategy in the care of people with HIV, providing comprehensive benefits for health and well-being. However, more research is needed to determine the best exercise strategies and overcome barriers to adherence.