Global physical activity levels among people living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose: It is unclear how much physical activity people living with HIV (PLWH) engage in. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate physical activity levels and its predictors in PLWH. Methods: PubMed, PsycARTICLES, and CINAHL Plus were searched by two independent reviewers from inception till 1 April 2016 using the keywords: "HIV" OR "AIDS" AND "physical activity" OR "exercise" OR "sports". A random effects meta-analysis was conducted. Results: Across 24 studies including 34 physical activity levels there were 3780 (2471 male) PLWH (mean age range: 37-58 years). PLWH spent 98.9 (95%CI=64.8-133.1) minutes per day being physically active which is lower than in most other populations with chronic diseases. 50.7% (95%CI=39.3-62%) (n=2052) of PLWH complied with the physical activity guidelines of 150 min moderate intensity physical activity per week. The number of steps walked per day in 252 PLWH was 5899 (95%CI=5678-6418), which is below the 10,000 steps per day recommendation. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that a considerable proportion of PLWH are insufficiently physically active. Future lifestyle interventions specifically targeting the prevention of physical inactivity in PLWH are warranted.