"Cardiovascular and autonomic profiles of the fit HIV+ subjects were significantly improved compared to a similar group that didn't exercise -- regardless if they had HIV or not," lead researcher David K. Spierer said.
"This investigation is the first to explore the profound effects of aerobic fitness on pre-clinical manifestations of cardiovascular and autonomic dysfunction in HIV," Spierer noted. "The takeaway message is that moderate aerobic exercise like biking or using a treadmill in those with HIV may be a cost-effective supplemental therapy, with improved physiological function as the only side-effect," he said.
Spierer worked at the Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University with Adrienne Zion, Gregory Gates and Ronald De Meersman and completed the investigation at Coler Goldwater, also in New York City, working with Augusta Alba, Jay Kleinfeld, Eugene McPherson and Julie Romero. *Paper presentation: "Fitness is associated with improved arterial compliance and parasympathetic modulation in HIV," 12:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Sunday April 3, Physiology 347.11/board #A67. On view 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Spierer is presenting the research at the 35th Congress of the International Union of Physiological Sciences in San Diego, March 31 - April 5, 2005.
Four groups compared for arterial compliance, heart rate, baroreflex sensitivity
The researchers examined the quantitative effects of aerobic fitness on the compliance of the arteries (how flexible the arteries are in allowing adequate blood flow); modulation or alteration of the parasympathetic branch
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3-Apr-2005