Muscle strength, flexibility and cardiorespiratory endurance in children with human immunodeficiency virus on antiretroviral therapy: A case control study

Background: Paediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in children. Adequate physical fitness is required in children to perform any physical activity. There is conflicting evidence on physical fitness in children with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Hence, there is a need to assess physical fitness in children with HIV.

Objectives: To determine the muscle strength, flexibility and cardiorespiratory endurance in children with HIV and to compare it with age and gender matched typically developing children.

Method: Children with HIV in the age group of 6-18 years, residing in homes for HIV and receiving ART for more than 3 months were included in this study. Muscle strength using hand-held dynamometer, flexibility by modified sit and reach test and cardiorespiratory endurance by 6-minute walk test were assessed for both groups and their results were compared.

Results: There were statistically significant differences in muscle strength, flexibility and cardiorespiratory endurance between both groups (p<0.05). Children with HIV were less physically fit when compared with normal children.

Conclusions: The present study concludes that muscle strength, flexibility and cardiorespiratory endurance are reduced in children with HIV receiving ART.  

Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2022; 51(4): 560-564