Assessment of postural sway in people living with HIV/AIDS

Introduction: Motor changes are observed in people living with HIV/AIDS. These changes may be associated with the chronicity of infection, continued use of antiretroviral medication, and/or the presence of comorbidities. Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate postural sway in people living with asymptomatic HIV/AIDS under treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy. Methods: Twenty-seven subjects, recruited at an HIV referral center, aged between 30 and 40 years, participated in the study, divided into two groups: HIV group (n=12) and non-HIV group (n=15). The participants performed an experimental task, remaining on a force platform in a static position, in bipedal support and semi-tandem positions, in conditions with and without vision. Results: The results demonstrated that visual occlusion, when the bipedal base was adopted, generated significant differences in the area of oscillation and mean velocity in both groups. Differences were also observed in the area and mean velocity of both groups when the semi-tandem position was adopted without vision. When comparing the groups, it was possible to identify significant differences in the semi-tandem base with vision. Conclusion: Considering these results, it was found that postural oscillation was higher in the visual occlusion condition for both groups. Concomitant to this, we conclude that in the challenging condition, where the base of support is reduced, the HIV group presents greater oscillation (medial-lateral) than the non-HIV group.