Exercises versus Yoga: Impact on Quality of Life amongst HIV Positive Individuals
New Insights into Disease and Pathogen Research Vol. 3,
Page 90-98
Abstract
Background: Although the antiretroviral therapy reduces the mortality rates, HIV positive individuals struggle with many complicated health problems compromising their quality of life. This improved life expectancy comes at the cost of various psychological difficulties hampering the quality of life immensely. Research has established the beneficial effects of exercise and yoga on the physical and psychological health across diverse populations. This study was, therefore, conducted to assess their effects on HIV positive individuals in an attempt to improve their quality of life.
Methodology: 60 HIV patients were divided into 3 groups randomly; Group 1 (only medical treatment), Group 2 (medical treatment and aerobic training) and Group 3 (medical treatment and yoga training) each undergoing an intervention for 6 weeks after an informed consent and institutional ethical approval. Outcome measures - BMI, Six-minute walk test, Hamilton Anxiety scale, and SF-36 were used. The data was recorded and analyzed for statistical significance with ANOVA.
Results: After 6 weeks of treatment, Group 2 and 3 showed significant improvements in the physical functioning (p value 0.02) and mental health scores of SF 36 (p value < 0.01). There was significant reduction in anxiety (p value 0.04) and bodily pain (p value < 0.01) in both groups.
Conclusion: Aerobic training showed superior developments in the improvement of physical and psychological health status, well-being and quality of life. These should be used as an adjunct to medical line of treatment. HIV positive individuals should be encouraged to perform aerobic exercises regularly. Group therapy is an amended way to provide social support and tackle stigma enhancing their quality of life and empowering these individuals.
Keywords:
- HIV positive patients
- exercise training
- aerobics
- yoga
- physical wellbeing
- psychological health
- quality of life
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