Articles

Effects of Moderate Intensity Circuit Exercise Programme on the Blood Oxygen Saturation and Pulmonary Function of People Living With HIV

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Introduction: Impaired pulmonary function and arterial oxygen (O2) saturation are among the symptomatic changes in people living with HIV (PLWH), associated with progression of HIV disease and anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Exercise has been considered an important adjuvant therapy for health promotion and improving the pulmonary function of PLWH. However studies are lacking on the effects circuit exercise training on o2 saturation and pulmonary function of PLWH.

Objective: This study determined the effect of moderate intensity circuit exercise programme on the O2 saturation and pulmonary function of PLWH.

Methods: The study design was a pretest-posttest randomized controlled design. A total of 120 participants were recruited from the HIV clinic of a teaching hospital. Fish bowl method was used to randomize the participants to control group or exercise group. Moderate intensity (50 – 75% MHR) circuit exercise programme was administered to the participants 3 times a week between 30-60 minutes per session for 8 weeks. Pulse Oximeter and hand held spirometer were used to measure the oxygen saturation and some pulmonary functions respectively. Measurement were taken at baseline and at 8-week. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation and percentages were used to summarize demographic data. Paired sample t-test and Independent sample t-test determined the mean difference within the groups and between the groups respectively. Alpha level was set at P<0.05.

Results: There was significant difference in the mean score of O2 saturation and pulmonary function within the exercise group after 8-week exercise intervention. There was significant difference in the mean score of O2 saturation and pulmonary function between the control group and exercise group after 8-week exercise intervention.

Conclusion: An 8-week circuit exercise programme brought about improvement in O2 saturation and pulmonary function of PLWH. Circuit exercise can be effectively employed to improve lung function and ameliorate the exercise hypoxemia associated with decreased O2 saturation in PLWH.