Exercise and mental health of people living with HIV: A systematic review:

ObjectiveMental illness is highly prevalent among people living with HIV. Poor mental health is linked to HIV disease progression, making the treatment of mental illness alongside HIV essential. While the benefits of exercise on the physical health of people living with HIV are well established, the effect of exercise on mental health in this population is less examined. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review of the effects of exercise on mental health in people living with HIV.MethodsA search of electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO) through 30 November 2016 was completed. The methodological framework for scoping studies was used to conduct the review process. RISMA guidelines were used to report the results.ResultsThe search resulted in 2273 articles and 52 were determined to be relevant. After review of the full text of potentially relevant studies, 24 studies were included for the analysis.DiscussionBoth aerobic and resistance exercise have independent a...