Functional performance and immune status in people living with HIV: Associations with balance and muscular endurance

Abstract

In people living with HIV (PLHIV), CD4 T-cell count is a standard indicator of immune status; its relationship with physical performance measures remains less defined. These measures may capture early neuromuscular changes associated with immune status in PLHIV. To evaluate the relationship between immune function, as measured by CD4 T-cell count, and physical performance indicators, including balance and muscular strength, in PLHIV, and to examine associations among balance, muscular strength, and endurance. This retrospective observational study analyzed a convenience sample of 10 participants from a specialized HIV clinic. Participants were categorized into Normal (≥500 cells/μL) and Immunocompromised (<500 cells/μL) groups. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess relationships between balance and strength measures. Analyses were carried out using Python and were exploratory. Participants with normal immune status demonstrated better postural stability than the immunocompromised group (left: 25.56 vs 18.00 seconds; right: 26.44 vs 20.00 seconds). Positive correlations were identified between balance and strength measures (left: heel raises r = 0.95, push-ups r = 0.94; right: heel raises r = 0.90, push-ups r = 0.89). Higher CD4 T-cell counts were associated with improved postural stability and greater muscular endurance. Single-leg balance and push-ups may serve as clinically accessible measures linked with immune status in PLHIV.