Abstract
Autonomic dysfunction appears to be prevalent in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).
However, there are limited data on the resting autonomic responses to exercise in
active and insufficiently active PLWHA. We aimed to determine whether active PLWHA
have better autonomic responses compared with insufficiently active PLWHA. Active
PLWHA receiving anti-retroviral therapy (n=13) and insufficiently active PLWHA (n=10)
were recruited. A 10-min recording of the supine electrocardiogram was taken. Resting
heart rate variability was analyzed from this electrocardiogram. Parasympathetic modulation,
as measured by high frequency power in normalized units, was greater in active PLWHA
when compared to insufficiently active PLWHA (41.0±15.6 vs. 25.2±9.7; p<0.05). Sympathetic
modulation as measured by low frequency power in normalized units was greater in insufficiently
active PLWHA when compared to active PLWHA (55.6±15.8 vs 79.3±17.5; p<0.05). Sympathovagal
balance as measured by low frequency/high frequency ratio was greater in insufficiently
active PLWHA when compared to active PLWHA (3.4±1.8 vs 1.6±0.9; p<0.05), indicating
greater parasympathetic dominance in the active group. In conclusion, PLWHA who regularly
exercised demonstrated enhanced autonomic function compared with insufficiently active
PLWHA. These results suggest that exercise is associated with enhanced autonomic function,
and may improve cardiovascular risk.
Key word
exercise - heart rate variability - chronic disease - cardiovascular disease risk
- AIDS
