A randomized controlled trial to unveil the influence of an exercise intervention on brain integrity and gut microbiome structure in individuals with HIV
An article in AIDS, published September 18, 2025.
Authors: Sarah A. Cooley, Aura Ferreiro, Brittany Nelson, Kimberley Sukhum, Elizabeth Westerhaus, Kalen Petersen, June Roman Fox, Alex Rosenow, Christopher Sorenson, Florin Vaida, Dominic N. Reeds, Phillip I. Tarr, Gautam Dantas, Beau M. Ances
This study explored how exercise affects brain health and gut bacteria in people living with HIV (PWH). Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial with 65 participants who were at least 40 years old and mostly led sedentary lifestyles. Participants were split into two groups: one group did a six-month cardiorespiratory and resistance training program, while the other group did stretching exercises.
Photo by Gabin Vallet on Unsplash
Key findings:
Physical Fitness and Cognition: Both exercise interventions led to better physical fitness and slight improvements in cognitive performance, such as faster thinking and better decision-making skills.
Gut Health: There was an increase in the diversity of gut bacteria among participants, which is generally a good sign of gut health.
Body Weight: Participants experienced a small but significant reduction in body mass index.
Brain Blood Flow: No significant changes were observed in how blood flowed to the brain in either group.
Overall Benefits: The study suggests that even light exercise, or just being part of the study, can have positive effects on cognitive health and physical fitness for people living with HIV.
“For sedentary people living with HIV, beginning a regular regimen of even low-impact activity such as stretching may provide benefits for physical fitness, cognition, and gut health,” explained Sarah Cooley, PhD, the lead author of the study and instructor of neurology at WashU. “Making small changes in activity level now may contribute to healthier outcomes as they age.”