Functional assesment of patients with AIDS disease

Abstract

We documented the types and degree of functional disability in 74 patients with AIDS at the Hospital de Clínicas of the Federal University of Paraná, Brazil. Few of these patients are referred for rehabilitation services and there is only a limited team approach in their care. We found that 91% of the patients had some degree of functional impairment; in 81% the complaint was weakness and in 47% it was neurological involvement. According to the Barthel Index, 79% were considered functionally independent, 14% partially dependent and 7% dependent. For most of them, independence requires effort and their quality of life is reduced. Severe disability was rather unusual, while mild or moderate disability levels were not. The functional physical disability found in 21% of the patients required management by a rehabilitation team. We conclude that it is important to focus attention on the quality of life of patients with AIDS.

Aerobic capacity and health-related quality of life in adults HIV-infected patients with and without lipodystrophy

“… 12 However, conflicting results have been reported in regard to aerobic capacity. Some authors have reported reduced aerobic capacity in HIV patients in HAART use, 5 , 6 , 12 , 13 whereas others have detected no adverse long-term effect. 14 , 15 …”

“…HIV-related disability has been associated with decrease in exercise capacity and patient's daily activities. 5 , 6 Reduced aerobic capacity or cardiovascular fitness may contribute to further physical impairment and activity limitations, placing HIV-infected patients at risk for poor health outcomes. 7 , 8 , 9 Some studies have shown an association between cardiovascular fitness and cardiovascular mortality, as well as all-cause mortality in men and women of all ages.…”

Incorporating physical activity in the comprehensive care of people living with HIV starting antiretroviral therapy: Insights from a specialized care setting in São Paulo, Brazil

“…Promotion of healthy lifestyles have thus become a priority for PLH under antiretroviral therapy (ART) as part of more comprehensive care approaches that include health promotion and engagement in physical activity (PA) [5,6]. In fact, there is evidence that combined resistance and aerobic training improve body composition, increase muscular strength, and reduce blood cholesterol of PLH [7][8][9].…”

Effects of Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise on Exercise Capacity, Muscle Strength and Quality of Life in HIV-Infected Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Treatment of HIV disease has undergone substantial advances. Currently, HIV-infection is considered a chronic condition that has been related to disability, decreased exercise capacity and impairment in daily activities [ 1 , 2 ]. Impaired physical functioning is attributed to a combination of several factors, such as structural and inflammatory muscle abnormalities [ 3 ], physiological deconditioning [ 4 ] and cardiopulmonary dysfunction [ 5 , 6 ].…”