Effect of a Supervised Aerobic Exercise Training Program and Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Metabolic Parameters and Functional Capacity in HIV-Infected Subjects

<b>Background</b>: A remarkable increase in metabolic comorbidities occur in people living with HIV infection (PLWH). Supervised physical activity provides significant health benefits. Ginkgo biloba (GKB) extract has been reported to have a wide range of metabolic advantages. This study aimed to examine the effects of an exercise training (ET) program and a GKB extract on PLWH. <b>Methods</b>: This was a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study. Twenty-eight PLWH were assigned to receive a placebo (<i>n</i> = 10), GKB extract (<i>n</i> = 10), or statins (<i>n</i> = 8). All patients underwent a supervised ET program 3-5 times per week. Anthropometric measurements, functional capacities, and metabolic parameters were assessed in all participants at baseline and after 12 weeks of follow-up. <b>Results</b>: After the 12-week intervention, body fat decreased significantly by 2-3% in all groups relative to their baseline values (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Total cholesterol and LDL-c were significantly decreased in the ET + statin group (<i>p</i> = 0.04, and <i>p</i> = 0.007, respectively) compared to baseline values, while HbA1c and the HOMA-IR index were significantly decreased in the ET + GKB group (<i>p</i> = 0.03 and <i>p</i> = 0.02, respectively) compared to baseline values, and a significant increase in CD4+ T cell mean was observed in the ET + placebo group (<i>p</i> = 0.005) compared to baseline values. A significant increase in cardiorespiratory capacity (VO_2max) from their baseline values was observed in all groups (<i>p</i> < 0.001) after 12 weeks of intervention from their baseline values. <b>Conclusions</b>: Body fat and cardiorespiratory fitness significantly improved after a 12-week supervised ET program. GKB extract significantly decreased insulin resistance.