Associations of physical activity with phase angle in adolescents living with HIV: The moderating and mediating roles of physical fitness.

The majority of adolescents living with vertically transmitted HIV showed inadequate phase angle, predominantly among girls.

• 61.7% of participants showed inadequate PhA (<5.0°)
• Inadequate PhA was more prevalent in girls than boys
• Sample consisted of 47 adolescents aged 10-18 years with vertically transmitted HIV
• PhA was measured by tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance

Physical activity level was significantly positively correlated with phase angle in adolescents living with HIV.

• Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.39 (p = 0.01) between PA and PhA
• PA was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C)
• The association remained significant in adjusted regression analyses (β = 1.087; p = 0.001)
• The relationship was maintained independent of confounders

General mediation and moderation effects of physical fitness components on the PA-PhA relationship were not confirmed, but conditional analyses revealed significant moderating roles.

• Overall mediation and moderation models were not statistically significant
• High muscular strength significantly moderated the PA-PhA relationship (β = 1.0537; p = 0.0024)
• Muscular strength was assessed by handgrip test
• VO2 peak, body fat percentage (%BF), and arm muscle area (AMA) showed significant conditional effects at different levels

Aerobic capacity was assessed using a submaximal bench step test in the study population.

• Aerobic capacity was measured by a submaximal bench step test to estimate VO2 peak
• The study used a cross-sectional design with 47 adolescents aged 10-18 years
• All participants had vertically transmitted HIV infection
• Multiple fitness components including muscular strength, aerobic capacity, and body composition were evaluated

HIV infection and combination antiretroviral therapy are associated with metabolic and cardiovascular changes in adolescents who often have low physical activity levels.

• Adolescents living with HIV frequently demonstrate low physical activity (PA)
• Both HIV infection itself and cART contribute to harmful metabolic and cardiovascular changes
• The study focused specifically on vertically transmitted HIV in adolescents aged 10-18 years
• Phase angle was used as an indicator of health status, with values <5.0° considered inadequate