Physical activity measurements using accelerometers and pedometers in HIV-infected people

Abstract

Research suggest that physical activity (PA) is inversely related to numerous metabolic disorders in people who are living with HIV. Objective and accurate measurement of habitual PA in this population is essential for a better knowledge of the relationship between PA levels and health benefits. Pedometers and accelerometers are widely use in exercise science to obtain objective measurements of PA. This systematic review has been focused on the use of pedometers and accelerometers in HIV-infected population in order to verify the PA levels. The actual recommendation for healthy people of ≥ 10,000 steps•day-1 is unrealistically high for the population living with HIV. Compared with previous reports on healthy adults, people living with HIV have lower levels of PA. Few studies have assessed PA level using pedometers and accelerometers in people who are living with HIV, so it is not possible define the real PA patterns of HIV-infected yet because there is a lack of information about this issue. Future studies should assess PA objectively (pedometers and/or accelerometers) in people who are living with HIV in order to improve knowledge of PA levels and its relationship with health benefits. © 2011 Santos-Lozano A, et al.