A EU collaborative partnership for active lifestyles for the adherence to the HIV therapy and to promote fitness as therapy

Background ARIE project promoted the physical activity in the form of fitness as therapy among people living with HIV/AIDS and in treatment aged 18-50. The project consortium developed and tested an innovative fitness protocol to involve HIV+ in a moderate/vigorous physical activity for their well being. Over 50 people trained and 62 participants in 5 countries tested the fitness protocol. The training material, the fitness protocol and project results disseminated by the project partners. Objectives ARIE aimed to develop, implement and transfer innovative practices related to physical activity enhancing health in HIV+ in treatment that benefit of the project activities. The project tasks aimed to train healthcare and sport professionals dealing with HIV+ patients on the importance of exercise in the long term and how inform and communicate to the patients about the importance of physical activity and the positive effects for the general well-being of the people in treatment. Implementation Development of:•IO1 – Training materials (manual) for health and sport professionals and fitness trainers/therapists•IO2 – Validation of the fitness protocol •IO3 – Manual about the application of the fitness protocol and its results•IO4 – Analysis of the results of the application of the protocol /Publication of a Scientific paper Achievements There is a lack of information on the physical activities that HIV+ people perform, due to the stigma that still affect HIV/AIDS. Ongoing, long-term support and follow up is inadequate in many parts of Europe. Thus considering, benefit for people HIV+ are:•Risk stratification, Monitoring & Follow up•Tailored exercises •Exercise variables •Communication & Multidisciplinarityand for patients are:•Personalisation •Motivation•Education•Role of family/local community•Empowerment