Background
Methods
Eligibility criteria
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Inclusion criteria:1.Type of studies
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Original research manuscripts in peer-review journals and conferences proceeding were included if published in the English Language. This design only included RCTs in the review when the following objective was evaluated: the effects of physical exercises on immune function, BMD and QoL in PLWHA.
2.Type of participants-
The review included studies involving adult human participants aged ≥18 years. Only studies that investigated PLWHA were included, however, no specific limitation was considered with respect to the setting of the studies. The included studies were mainly carried out in clinics, health centers, hospitals or community care settings.
3.Type of intervention-
RCTs of physical exercise (either/both aerobic and resistance exercise) intervention for PLWHA were included in the review, which was not restricted to specified dosage, form, intensity, frequency and duration of intervention or follow-up period after aerobic intervention or limited to weight training, isometric and isotonic strengthening for resistance exercise in PLWHA.
4.Timing-
There was no specified length of the interventions or the follow-up of outcomes.
5.Types of outcome measures-
Studies that reported changes in outcome measures of immune function (e.g. CD4+ count or viral load), BMD (e.g. osteoporosis or osteopenia) and QOL (e.g. physical function, the performance of social roles, emotional status, and cognitive function) in PLWHA were included in the review. Studies were included regardless of whether an outcome of interest was accounted for as a primary or secondary outcome in the first article, so far as a clear analysis was carried out for each outcome. All outcome variables were collated as they were accounted for in individual studies, and the original description in those individual studies was not modified. Clinical results, detailed by individual studies were analyzed and graded.
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Exclusion criteria:1.Studies without an exercise or physical activity component.2.Narrative review syntheses, systematic reviews, opinion papers, letters and any publication without primary data and/or explicit description of the methods.3.For duplicate publications from the same study, the most recent or most comprehensive publication was used.
Information sources and search strategy
Study record, selection process, and data management
Quality appraisal and risk of bias
Data item
Data synthesis and assessment of heterogeneity
Data and sensitivity analysis
Rating quality of evidence and strength of recommendation
Results
Search result
Reasons for exclusion
Included studies
Immune function
Author, Year (Location of study) | Characteristics of participants Age(years) Gender Sample size. Retention (attrition) | Intervention. No of participants allocated (No that completed) | Duration of intervention | Control | Outcome | Measurement tool for outcome | Summary of result |
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Agin, 2001 (U.S.A) | 28–66 Women N = 37 81% (19%) | Progressive Resistance Training 3 sets of 10 exercises (8–10 repetition / set) n = 12 (10) Whey protein (PRO) n = 12 (10) Combined (PRO-PRE) n = 13 (10) | 14 weeks | QoL | MOS survey | Physical activity score significantly increased for PRE group (p = 0.02): general health perceptions (p = 0.03), vitality (p = 0.007) | |
Anandh, 2014 (India) | 41.71 ± 5.73 N = 24 80% (20%) | Progressive Resistance Training. (10 RM 3x weekly) n = 12 (9) | 12 weeks | No exercise n = 12 (10) | QoL Immune function | MOS-HIV survey CD4 count | Effective in increasing CD4 count (E.S = 0.09; p = 0.041) and QoL (p = 0.004) |
Baigis, 2002 (USA) | NR N = 123 80.5% (19.5%) | Aerobic exercise (75–85% MHR) n = 68 (52) | 15 weeks | No exercise n = 55 (47) | Immune status QoL | CD4 count MOS-HIV | No significant impact of exercise on CD4 count Significance on MOS-HIV overall health subscale (p = 0.02) |
Ezema, 2014 (Nigeria) | 22–63 NR N = 33 91% (9%) | Aerobic exercise (60–79% MHR) n = 17 (15) | 8 weeks | Conventional therapy n = 16 (15) | Immune function | CD4 count | Increase CD4 count in the exercise group compared to control (ES = 0.7) |
Farinatti, 2010 (Brazil) | 45 ± 2 years NR N = 27 87% (13%) | Aerobic training (30 mins. of moderate intensity exercise (cycle ergometer), PWC 150); strengthening exercise-50mins (2 sets of 12 reps of 5 exercises at 60–80% 12 RM); and flexibility exercise- 10 min (2 sets of 30s at max. ROM of 8 exercises). | 12 weeks | No treatment | Immune function | CD4 count | There was no significant change in the CD4-T cell counts either in the exercise group or the control group |
Galantino, 2005 (Rwanda) | 20–60 years N = 51 75% (25] | EX intended to foster strength, endurance, and cardiovascular exertion. (60–70% MHR). | 8 weeks | Maintain normal activity | QoL | (MOS-HIV) and Spirituality Well-Being Scale (SWB). | Exercise training improved quality of life |
Gillespie, 1997 (United State) | 27–46 N = 23 78.3% (21.7%) | Aerobic exercise (60–80% MHR) n = 11(6) | 12 weeks | No exercise. n = 12 | QoL | MOS-HIV | No significant difference between exercise and control groups on MOS-HIV |
Maduagwu, 2015 (Nigeria) | 39.57 ± 10.13 N = 82 78% (22%) | Moderate intensity aerobic exercise (treadmill) 50–70% HRR n = 41 (32) | 12 weeks | Maintain routine daily activities n = 41 (32) | Immune function | CD4 count | Significant improvement of CD4 count between pre-test and post-test in the experimental group (ES = 0.8) |
Maharaj, 2011 (South Africa) | NR N = 52 50% (50%) | Aerobic exercise. (50–70% MHR) n = 26 (20) | 12 weeks | SWD (as a placebo) n = 26 (6) | QoL | SF-36 Questionnaire | QoL significantly improved for the experimental group compared with the control. Physical component (ES = 0.3; p < 0.018) Mental component (ES = 0.2; p < 0.021) |
Mkandla, 2016 (Zimbabwe) | 42.2 ± 8.5 N = 160 40% (60%) | Progressive Resistance Exercise intervention To lower limb n = 80 (29) | 12 weeks | Usual advice + normal activities n = 80 (35) | QoL | (EQ-5D) Euro quality of life-5 dimension | significantly improved (HRQOL) in the intervention when compared to the control group measured using the state of health visual analogue(p = 0.04) |
Mutimura, 2008 (Rwanda) | 21–50 years N = 100 97% (3%) | EXC include warmup (15 min) followed by 45–60 min of jogging, running, stair climbing, low-back & abdominal stabilization and strengthening exercises | 24 weeks | No treatment | QoL | WHOQOL-BREF | Exercise training improved several components of QoL in HAART-treated HIV+ African subjects with body fat distribution |
Ogalha, 2011 (Brazil) | 43.15 ± 9.45 N = 70 90% (10%) | Aerobic exercise (75% MHR) n = 35 | 24 weeks | Counseling n = 35(28) | QoL Immune function | SF-36 CD4 count | Higher significance for patient in exercise group concerning general health, vitality and mental health significant improvement for CD4 (ES = 0.2; p = 0.001) |
Perna, 1999 (USA) | 36.75 ± 6.27 N = 43 65% (35%) | Aerobic exercise (70–80 MHR) n = 24 (18) | 12 weeks | No exercise n = 19 (10) | Immune function | CD4 count | Significant increase with compliant exercises (ES = 0.9 p < 0.02), while significant decrease for non-compliant and control with a decrease of about 10% |
Smith 2001 (U.S.A) | 36 ± 6.6 N = 60 82% (18%) | Aerobic exercise training (60–80% MHR) n = 30 (19) | 12 weeks | No exercise n = 30 | Immune function | CD4 count | No significant change in CD4 cell count |
Stringer 1998 (U.S.A) | 36 ± 9 N = 34 76% (23%) | Aerobic exercise (Cycle ergometer) Moderate intensity (n = 9) | 6 weeks | Maintain current level of activity n = 8 Heavy intensity Aerobic exercise n = 9 | Immune function QoL | CD4 count A subset of QoL questionnaire validated prior HIV studies | Minimal change among the thee group Improvement occurred in both exercise training groups relative to control group. |
Terry, 2006 (Brazil) | 37.5 ± 8.5 N = 42 71% (29%) | Aerobic exercise (70–85% MHR) n = 21 (15) | 12 weeks | Soft stretching and relaxation routine. n = 21(15) | Immune function | CD4 count | No significant change after exercise |
Terry, 1999 (Brazil) | 31 ± 8 N = 31 68% (32%) | Aerobic exercise Moderate intensity (55–60% MHR) n = 16 (10) | 12 weeks | Aerobic exercise High intensity (75–85 MHR) n = 15 (11) | Immune function | CD4 count | No appreciable changes in the moderate or high intensity exercise group |
Yar’zever, 2013 (Nigeria) | 39.2 ± 12.75 yrs. N = 40 93% (7%) | Aerobic exercise (cycle ergometer) (50–60 MHR) n = 20 | 12 weeks | Normal daily activities n = 20 (17) | Immune function | CD4 count | Significant deference in CD4 count between pre and post experimental group (ES = 0.4; p < 0.05) and decrease viral load, while control had a decrease in CD4 count and increase viral load |
Zanetti, 2016 (Brazil) | 41.1 ± 10.1 N = 30 NR | Resistance exercise 3 sets of 6 exercise (6–12 RM/set) n = 15 | 12 weeks | Maintain daily habit n = 15 | Immune function | CD4 count | Increase in CD4 count from pre- post intervention. |
Quality of life
Participants of included studies
Immune function
Quality of life
Outcome of intervention
Risk of Bias in included studies
Adequate Sequence generation | Allocation concealment | Blinding | Incomplete outcome data addressed | Selective outcome reporting | Free of other bias | Summary ROBc. Quality* | |||||||
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Judgement | Description | Judgement | Description | Judgement | Description | Judgement | Description | Judgement | Description | Judgement | Description | ||
Agin 2001 | Yes | Quote: “Sequential randomization was generated …” Comment: Probably done | Yes | Quote: “Group assignment was executed by the principal investigator and concealed until the time of treatment” Comment: Probably done | Yes | Comment: Outcome measurement not likely to be influenced by lack of blinding | Yes | Quote: “Adherence to exercise training was 94% for PRE” Comment: Probably done | Yes | Comment: Study outcome adequately reported. | Yes | Comment: Probably appears to be free from other sources of bias. | Low risk High Quality |
Anandh 2014 | Yes | Quote: “All 24 subjects after baseline assessment were randomly allotted” Comment: Probably done | Yes | Quote: “…into two groups by using sealed envelopes.” Comment: Probably done | Yes | Quote: “…physiotherapist who is blinded to group allotment” Comment: Probably done | Yes | Quote: “Intention to treat analysis for all outcome measures was carried out” Comment: Probably done | Yes | Quote: “All three outcome measures were tested at baseline and end of three months of intervention” Comment: Probably done | Yes | Comment: Probably appears to be free from other sources of bias. | Low risk High Quality |
Baigis 2002 | Yes | Quote: “Study identification (ID) numbers were randomized” Comment: Probably done | Yes | Quote: “…in advance and placed in sequentially numbered opaque envelopes” Comment: Probably done | Yes | Comment: Outcome measurement not likely to be influenced by lack of blinding | Yes | Quote: “Intent to treat analysis was used for the physiologic variables” Comment: Missing data imputed using appropriate method | Yes | Quote: “outcomes between the intervention and the control group were determined at baseline, 8, and 15 weeks” Comment: Probably done | Yes | Comment: Probably appears to be free from other sources of bias. | Low risk High Quality |
Ezema 2014 | Yes | Quote: “Eligible participants were randomized…” Comments: Probably done | No | Quote: “using simple random assignment into the exercise group and the control group respectively.” Comment: Probably not done | Yes | Comment: Outcome measurement not likely to be influenced by lack of blinding | Yes | Comment: Missing data adequately accounted for. | Yes | Comment: Study outcome recorded pre and post treatment. | Yes | Comment: Probably appears to be free from other sources of bias. | Low risk High Quality |
Gillespie 1997 | Yes | Quote: “a table of random numbers was used to randomly assign each individual…” Comment: Probably done | No | Comment: Probably not done | Yes | Comment: Outcome measurement not likely to be influenced by lack of blinding | Yes | Comment: Missing data reported appropriately | Yes | Quote: “… variables in the pretest to posttest changes in quality of life…” Comment: Probably done | Yes | Comment: Probably appears to be free from other sources of bias. | Low risk High Quality |
Maduagwu, 2015 | Yes | Quote: “This random assignment involved the authors…” Comment: Probably done | Yes | Quote: “…papers were then wrapped, placed and mixed in a basket.” Comment: probably done. | Yes | Comment: Outcome measurement not likely to be influenced by lack of blinding | Yes | Quote: “22% attrition rate was recorded general,..” Comment: probably done | Yes | Quote: “… the pre – and post – test values of the variables in the experimental and control groups.” Comment: Probably done | Yes | Comment: Probably appears to be free from other sources of bias. | Low risk High Quality |
Maharaj 2011 | Yes | Quote: “…then randomly assigned by means of a computer…” Comment: Probably done | No | Comment: Probably not done | Yes | Quote: “the researchers and assistants blinded to the scores…” Comment: probably done | Yes | Comment: Missing data imputed. | Yes | Quote: “questionnaire was completed by both groups on entry and monthly …” Comment: Probably done | Yes | Comment: Probably appears to be free from other sources of bias. | Low risk High Quality |
Mkandla 2016 | Yes | Quote: “Random allocation was applied to both participants and clinics.” Comment: Probably done. | No | Comment: Probably not done | Yes | Quote: “An assessor-blinded RCT was conducted” Comment: probably done. | Yes | Quote: “Intention to treat analysis was applied using the last observed value for missing data (60%).” Comment: Probably done | Yes | Quote: “…profile scores at baseline and post-intervention” Comment: Probably done. | Yes | Comment: Probably appears to be free from other sources of bias. | Low risk High Quality |
Ogalha 2011 | Yes | Quote: “70 subjects were randomized” Comment: Probably done | No | Comment: Probably not done | Yes | Comment: Outcome measurement not likely to be influenced by lack of blinding | Yes | Comments: No missing Data for the Exercise group | Yes | Comment: Study outcome adequately reported. | Yes | Comment: Probably appears to be free from other sources of bias. | Low risk High Quality |
Perna 1999 | Yes | Quote: “… were randomly assigned” Comment: Probably done | No | Comment: Probably not done | Yes | Comment: Outcome measurement not likely to be influenced by lack of blinding | No | Comment: Probably not done | Yes | Quote: “... as a between- subjects factor and time point (baseline and 3-month)…” Comments: Probably done. | Yes | Comment: Probably appears to be free from other sources of bias. | Low risk High Quality |
Smith 2001 | Yes | Quote: “subjects were randomly assigned…” Comment: Probably done. | No | Comment: Probably not done | Yes | Quote: “…except the principal investigator, were blinded to the subject’s group assignment…” Comment: Probably done. | No | Comment: Probably not done | Yes | Quote: “…variables were measured at baseline and week 12 in all subjects” Comment: Probably done | Yes | Comment: Probably appears to be free from other sources of bias. | Low risk High Quality |
Stringer 1998 | Yes | Quote: “… by means of a computer- generated randomization.” Comment: Probably done | No | Comment: Probably not done | Yes | Comment: Outcome measurement not likely to be influenced by lack of blinding | Yes | Quote: “Patient who dropped out of the study were uniformly distributed among the three groups.” Comment: Probably done | Yes | Comment: Study outcome adequately reported. | Yes | Comment: Probably appears to be free from other sources of bias. | Low risk High Quality |
Terry 1999 | Yes | Quote: “Subject were then randomized to participate…” Comment: Probably done. | No | Comment: Probably not done | Yes | Comment: Outcome measurement not likely to be influenced by lack of blinding | Yes | Comment: Missing data adequately accounted for. | Yes | Quote: “Before the program, at 6 weeks and the end of the program blood was collected…” Comment: Probably done. | Yes | Comment: Probably appears to be free from other sources of bias. | Low risk High Quality |
Terry 2006 | Yes | Quote: “Those who met the inclusion criteria were then randomized to participate” Comment: Probably done. | No | Comment: Probably not done | Yes | Comment: Outcome measurement not likely to be influenced by lack of blinding | Yes | Quote: “Compliance with the sessions in both groups was 100%” Comment: Probably done. | Yes | Quote: “Before and after the intervention, 12-h fasting venous blood samples were collected” Comment: Probably done | Yes | Comment: Probably appears to be free from other sources of bias. | Low risk High Quality |
Yar’zever 2013 | Yes | Quote: “They were randomly assigned to either…” Comment: Probably done | No | Comment: Probably not done | Yes | Comment: Outcome measurement not likely to be influenced by lack of blinding | Yes | Comment: No missing data | Yes | Quote: “…dependent variables (CD4 count and viral load) were measured before and after cycle exercise programme” Comment: Probably done. | Yes | Comment: Probably appears to be free from other sources of bias. | Low risk High Quality |
Zanetti 2016 | Yes | Quote: “Then, they were randomly allocated” Comment: Probably done | No | Comment: Probably not done | Yes | Comment: Outcome measurement not likely to be influenced by lack of blinding | No | Comment: Probably not done | Yes | Comment: outcome measured pre and post intervention | No | Comment: Baseline incompatibility. | High risk Low Quality |
Study | Sources/Potential sources of biasa | ||||||||
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Selection bias | Performance bias | Detection bias | Bias due to attrition | Reporting bias | Other bias | Summary of bias | Quality indexb | ||
Random sequence generation | Allocation conceal-ment | Participants and personnel blinding | Blinding of outcome assessment | Incomplete data | Selective reporting | ||||
Mutimura et al. 2008
| No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | – | High | Low |
Farinatti et al. 2010 | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Small sample | Low | High |
Galantino et al. 2005 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | – | High | Low |