Feasibility Of High-intensity Interval Training In Older Adults With HIV And Co-occurring Hypertension

As life expectancy for people living with HIV (PWH) has increased, there’s been an increase in age-related comorbidities, like hypertension. Exercise is an important nonpharmacological strategy to counterbalance the adverse effects of chronic HIV infection. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been demonstrated to be safe and efficacious in improving health outcomes in individuals with chronic illness. PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study was to assess the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of a 6-week HIIT intervention among older PWH and co-occurring hypertension. METHODS: PWH were recruited from the local HIV/AIDS Clinic the exercise intervention, which consisted twice per week cycle ergometry. This protocol was a center-based exercise program monitored by trained exercise physiologists. The primary endpoint of the study was the feasibility (e.g., consent rate, attendance, adherence, dropout rate) and participant perceived benefits and barriers assessed via the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale. Additional endpoints included cardiorespiratory fitness (6-minute walk test), changes in blood pressure (BP), anthropometrics (BMI), and ratings of pain. RESULTS: Thirteen of the 26 PWH contacted agreed to participate in the study (50% consent rate). Ten participants (76.9%) completed the study. Three reasons provided for dropping out of study include: 1) foot pain; 2) distance; 3) time commitment. Based on the 10 completers, there was a 100% adherence rate based on the prescribed exercise intensity (70-80% of heart rate maximum). On average, 86.7% of exercise sessions were attended by older PWH. Additionally, the participants perceived exercise more positively and perceived less barriers to exercise following the exercise intervention. BP and BMI both decreased following the intervention, while distance walked during the 6-minute walk test declined following the intervention. On average, the completers were 60.5 years old, 50% Black, and 60% Male. CONCLUSIONS: This exercise program is feasible for older PWH and co-occurring hypertension and may improve blood pressure, BMI, and perceptions of exercise. While the program was safe and participants showed some improvements, incorporating approaches to enhance recruitment and adherence is critical. Supported by: This project was supported by the HIV and Aging Research Consortium (R33AG067069), UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, UAB Nathan Shock Center, and the Center for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems (CNICS).