Exercise Helps HIV Patients Build Stronger Muscles
Randomized Clinical Trial of High Intensity Exercise in People with HIV: Effects on Muscle Composition and Inflammation.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Older people with HIV who did 16 weeks of exercise (cardio and strength training) gained more muscle and got stronger than those who didn’t exercise. Their muscles also became denser and healthier. But exercise didn’t change their inflammation levels.
Surprising Findings
Exercise improved muscle mass and strength dramatically — but didn’t reduce inflammation markers.
Most people assume exercise reduces inflammation, especially in chronic conditions like HIV. This study shows muscle gains and inflammation control may not go hand-in-hand.
Practical Takeaways
Older adults with HIV (or similar conditions) should consider combining aerobic and resistance training to build muscle and strength.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Older people with HIV who did 16 weeks of exercise (cardio and strength training) gained more muscle and got stronger than those who didn’t exercise. Their muscles also became denser and healthier. But exercise didn’t change their inflammation levels.
Surprising Findings
Exercise improved muscle mass and strength dramatically — but didn’t reduce inflammation markers.
Most people assume exercise reduces inflammation, especially in chronic conditions like HIV. This study shows muscle gains and inflammation control may not go hand-in-hand.
Practical Takeaways
Older adults with HIV (or similar conditions) should consider combining aerobic and resistance training to build muscle and strength.
Publication
Journal
Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes
Year
2025
Authors
Alice S Ryan, B. Briggs, Alicia J. Lozano, Ali Iranmanesh, K. Oursler
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Claims (6)
Tesamorelin increases muscle area and density in key trunk muscles (including rectus abdominis, psoas, spinal extensors, diaphragm, and pelvic floor) while reducing intramuscular fat infiltration, improving muscle quality and metabolic function.
Older people with HIV who did aerobic and resistance exercise for 16 weeks probably had bigger thigh muscles (7.5% increase) compared to those who didn't (3.1% decrease), and this difference was statistically significant.
Older adults with HIV who exercised for 16 weeks likely had denser thigh muscles (5.2% increase) compared to the control group (0.3% decrease), which was statistically significant.
Older people with HIV who did the exercise program for 16 weeks probably had much stronger legs (51.8% increase) compared to those who didn't (1.3% increase), and this difference was highly significant.
The exercise program didn't change levels of inflammation markers in older people with HIV compared to those who didn't exercise.