Feasibility of Telerehabilitation in HIV-patients

Feasibility and Benefit of a Telerehabilitation Program in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected Patients

The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and the effects of a 6-week telerehabilitation on the three domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health in HIV-infected patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

HIV-infected patients were randomized either into an Endurance and Resistance Training Exercise (ERTE) group or a control (CON) group. Telerehabilitation was realized in a public fitness center, with online guidance and weekly telephone advice, 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Feasibility was determined by recruitment rate, retention rate and adverse events. Secondary outcomes were impact on body composition, inflammation and coagulation (C-reactive protein, D-dimer), physical fitness and quality of life (WHOQOL-HIV).

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years or older
• under HAART treatment
• native French speaker

Exclusion Criteria:

• AIDS diagnosis
• physical and/or psychiatric impairments that seriously impaired physical activity
• pregnant
• Unstable (defined by any modification of health outcomes during the last 6 months).