Impact of Progressive Resistance Training in Brazilian HIV Patients with Lipodystrophy

Background: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of progressive resistance training on the body composition of HIV/AIDS-seropositive patients with lipodystrophy. Methods: The sample consisted of ten individuals with lipodystrophy submitted to a training program. Lean mass and fat mass levels were determined by double energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) before and after 36 sessions (12 weeks) of training divided into a preparatory phase (six sessions with three series of 15 repetitions), a transitory phase (six sessions with three series of 15 repetitions with 40 to 50% of maximum muscle strength), and a specific phase (24 sessions with three series of eight repetitions with 70 to 80% of maximum muscle strength). Data were analyzed statistically by the paired sample test. Results: The results showed a significant increase in total lean mass (P=0.039) in the upper limbs (P=0.004) and in the trunk (P=0.019). Conclusions: On this basis, we conclude that progressive resistance training promotes an increase in lean mass and can be useful for the complementary treatment of lipodystrophy by improving the body harmony and quality of life of patients with HIV/AIDS.