Aerobic power and muscle strength of individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Aim. We wished to evaluate any continuing adverse effects upon peak aerobic power and muscle strength associated with either HAART therapy or persistently low CD4+ counts in men living with HIV/AIDS. Methods. We studied 39 HIV/AIDS patients with an average disease history of 6.1 years, and 28 normal sedentary volunteers. All subjects performed tests of peak aerobic power and isokinetic muscle force, and the HIV/AIDS group also completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and WHO Quality of Life questionnaires. Blood was sampled for standard measures of immune function (CD4+ and CD8+ counts) and viral load. Results. Patient values were generally as in the normal subjects and appeared to be uninfluenced by the CD4+ nadir or the use of HAART therapy. However, the isokinetic muscle strength was lower in individuals with a low current CD4+ count. Isokinetic strength was also negatively correlated with current CD4+ and CD8+ counts. Conclusion. HAART therapy does not appear to have an adverse long-term effect on either aerobic power or muscle strength. Many ambulatory volunteers living with HIV/AIDS have a normal peak aerobic power. However, isokinetic strength can remain low, particularly in those with low current T-cell counts.