The High-Intensity Exercise Study to Attenuate Limitations and Train Habits in Older Adults With HIV (HEALTH): A Research Protocol
Vitor H. F. Oliveira, Kristine M. Erlandson, Paul Cook, Catherine M. Jankowski, Samantha MaWhinney, Sahera Dirajlal‐Fargo, Leslie A. Knaub, Chao‐Pin Hsiao, Christine Horvat Davey, Allison R. Webel
Abstract
ABSTRACT: The High-Intensity Exercise Study to Attenuate Limitations and Train Habits in Older Adults With HIV (HEALTH), which incorporates an exercise and biobehavioral coaching intervention, has the following overall goals: (a) to determine whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) mitigates physical function impairments, fatigue, and impairments in mitochondrial bioenergetics of older people living with HIV (PLWH) to a greater extent than continuous moderate exercise (CME); and (b) to determine whether a biobehavioral coaching and mobile health text messaging intervention after HIIT or CME can promote long-term adherence to physical activity. The HEALTH study is a randomized trial of 100 older PLWH (≥50 years of age) who self-report fatigue and have a sedentary lifestyle. Enrolled participants will be randomized to 16 weeks of supervised HIIT or CME training, followed by a 12-week maintenance phase, involving a mobile health coaching intervention. Outcomes of the HEALTH study will inform the development of scalable, effective exercise recommendations tailored to the unique needs of aging PLWH.