Shevitz, A. H., Wilson, I. B., McDermott, A. Y., Spiegelman, D., Skinner, S. C., Antonsson, K., et al. (2005). A comparison of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of 3 intervention strategies for AIDS wasting. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, 38(4), 399-406.

The objective of this study was to compare an oral steroid hormone with nutrition alone and nutrition plus strength training in order to treat muscle tissue wasting that occurs in people with AIDS. Fifty participants were randomized into 3 groups for 12 weeks and received intensive nutrition intervention in addition to one of the following: (1) placebo pills, (2) 10 mg of oxandrolone (OX) twice a day, or (3) progressive resistance training (PRT). OX and PRT induced similar improvements in body composition, but PRT improved quality of life (including physical functioning and strength) more than nutrition alone or OX, particularly among patients with impaired physical functioning. Progressive resistance training was the most cost-effective intervention (which should encourage third-party payers), and Oxandrolone was the least cost-effective intervention.

For the full abstract, go to: http://www.ncpad.org/516/2428/A~Comparison~of~the~Clinical~and~Cost-Effectiveness~of~3~Intervention~Strategies~for~AIDS~Wasting.