IMPACT OF PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM ON THE FUNCTIONAL STATUS OF WORKING-AGE PATIENTS WITH HIV AT THE AIDS STAGE

Abstract

Purpose – to investigate the effectiveness of a structured combined physical therapy (PT) program utilizing both anaerobic and aerobic exercises in altering the functional status of working-age patients with HIV at the AIDS stage. Materials and methods. The study included 24 patients with confirmed HIV infection at clinical stage IV, with 15 forming the control group. Patients were divided into two experimental groups based on body mass index (BMI) and CD4+ T-lymphocyte levels. Group I comprised 11 patients with BMI less than 18.5 and CD4+ T-lymphocytes ≤ 100 cells/μL, while Group II consisted of 13 patients with BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 and CD4+ T-lymphocytes above 150 cells/μL. The 12-week program included home exercises and three combined training sessions per week lasting 60 minutes each. Results. The program positively impacted BMI, Hobbs index, 6-minute walk test, respiratory rate, SpO2, hypoxia index, heart rate, and diastolic blood pressure. Improvement was also observed in fatigue levels and quality of life indicators. Biochemical analysis showed an increase in creatinine levels, while no statistically significant changes were observed in other parameters. Conclusion. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the 12-week combined PT program has a positive effect on the functional status, fatigue levels, and quality of life in working-age patients with HIV at the AIDS stage. No negative impact on the course of HIV infection or the health status of the patients included in the study was observed. Further research is recommended to explore the feasibility of increasing the intensity and training volume, duration, and dosage of physical exercises.