Exploring the impacts of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in people living with HIV: A scoping review

People with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) face increased health risks beyond those directly linked to HIV infection, including reduced cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), cardiovascular disease, and accelerated aging. Physical exercise, particularly high-intensity interval training (HIIT), may help mitigate these issues. This scoping review aimed to map the current evidence on the effects of HIIT in PWH. In February 2024, searches were conducted across six databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Lilacs, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus) and gray literature (medRxiv). Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, selecting studies that met the inclusion criteria. Three studies were included: a pre-experimental trial, a randomized crossover pilot study, and a non-randomized intervention. Participants had a mean age of 41.5 years. HIIT was associated with improvements in CD4 + T lymphocyte count, VO₂peak, and CRF. These findings suggest HIIT may be a beneficial exercise strategy for improving health markers in PWH.

• Population(s)
  • General HIV+ population
• Prevention, Engagement and Care Cascade
  • Engagement and Care Cascade
• Engagement and Care Cascade
  • Treatment
• Co-morbidities
  • Cardiovascular