Lipid profile alterations following aerobic and resistance training programmes among HIV- seropositive female patients

This study was designed to assess the changes in lipid profile of HIV-seropositive patients following 6week aerobic and resistance exercise training. The pretest-posttest control-group design (experimental and control groups) was adopted. Sixty female HIV-seropositive patients in stage 1 and 2 of the disease registered in University of Benin Teaching Hospital participated in the study. They were randomly assigned into control and experimental groups. The experimental group exercised for One hour, three times a week for six weeks while the control group continued with their daily routine. The baseline intensity of the exercise was 60% of maximum Heart Rate (HRmax) and 60% 1RM and it was progressed by 10% every 3 weeks. Lipid profile were recorded at baseline and on completion of 6 weeks for both groups. The hypotheses were tested with inferential statistics of Analysis of variance. The findings of this study revealed that short duration exercise training improved some of the components of the lipid profile (high density lipoprotein and triglycerides). It was therefore concluded based on the findings of this study that health professionals should recommend exercise for female HIV-infected individuals due to the health benefits. Also, human kinetics specialists should design exercise programmes suitable for this special population.