Feasibility of HIIT in Older Adults with HIV and Hypertension

Study Summary

The goal of this HIV and Aging Pilot Program Proposal is to foster interdisciplinary collaborations in HIV and geroscience by providing emerging researchers with experience and mentorship in translational research. The focus is on collecting data on the efficacy and feasibility of short-term high-intensity interval training among older people with HIV (PWH) and co-occurring hypertension. Non-AIDS defining comorbidities are increasingly prevalent among aging PWH. The use of antiretroviral therapies (ART) has extended life expectancy, presenting unique risks for aging-related multimorbidities. Hypertension, affecting over 50% of HIV-infected adults in the U.S., is a significant chronic disorder among PWH. Regular exercise improves function and prevents decline in adults with comorbidities. Functional outcomes are good predictors of cardiovascular health in older PWH with hypertension. Exercise improves cardiovascular, metabolic, and functional measures in young PWH, but older PWH often do not meet physical activity guidelines due to barriers like motivation, time, and pain. The impact of high-intensity exercise on physical function in older PWH is unknown, despite evidence of benefits from low-moderate intensity exercise. Assessing the feasibility and acceptability of high-intensity exercise in older PWH with hypertension will provide valuable information for future studies. The specific aims of the proposed study are to assess the integrity of the study protocol, including safety, adherence, and retention, to develop standard operating procedures for future trials, while determining participant perceived benefits and barriers. Additionally, the study aims to assess the variance of secondary outcomes and the effects of the intervention on the 6-minute walk test, lower extremity function as assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery, skeletal muscle strength and endurance as assessed by isokinetic muscle testing, chronic pain evaluated by the Brief Pain Inve

Primary Outcome

Feasibility and acceptability was assessed by collecting data on recruitment and retention rates, intervention adherence rates, number of eligible participants required to recruit to sample size, rate of completion of the intervention (i.e., number of participants who complete all aspects of the intervention), and completion rates.

Interventions

• BEHAVIORAL Exercise