International Journal of STD & AIDS > Volume 19, Number 8 > Pp. 514-518

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Original research articles

Physical activity uptake in patients with HIV: who does how much?

S Fillipas BPhysio MPH ^*  , C A Bowtell-Harris RN ^* **, L B Oldmeadow MClinEd. DPhysio ^*, F Cicuttini FRACP PhD  , A E Holland BAppSc PhD ^*  and C L Cherry FRACP PhD   ^**

^* Physiotherapy Department, The Alfred; Burnet Institute; La Trobe University; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University; ^** Infectious Diseases Unit, The Alfred; Rheumatology Department, The Alfred, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Correspondence to: Dr S Fillipas, The Alfred, PO Box 315, Prahran, Vic. 3181, Australia Email: s.fillipas{at}alfred.org.au

Regular physical activity is recommended for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to help manage their disease. However, to date, little is known about levels of uptake of this advice. This study describes daily physical activity in HIV antibody-positive patients attending a public hospital infectious diseases clinic, compares them with those of patients attending the clinic for general infectious diseases and investigates compliance with the recommendations of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and American College of Sports Medicine physical activity guidelines. During April 2006, 261 patients completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form. One hundred and ninety-one reported being HIV antibody-positive. Results showed that 1:4 HIV antibody-positive and 1:3 HIV antibody-negative respondents failed to meet the recommended guidelines. These findings are of concern, given the evidence-based benefits of regular physical activity. Further work is needed to identify barriers to participation and interventions that can improve uptake.

Key Words: International physical activity questionnaire • exercise • inactivity • AIDS • physical activity

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