Improvement in HIV-associated motor slowing after antiretroviral therapy including protease inhibitors

A study of neuropsychological performance was conducted in 33 HIV+ patients initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Grooved Pegboard (GP) non-dominant hand performance improved in 23/33 (70%) subjects (P=0.00 2). Among 23 patients with motor slowing (GP non-dominant hand z score < - 1.0) at baseline, 18 (78%) improved on the GP non-dominant hand test after initiating HAART (P=0.001). GP non-dominant hand performance improved longi tudinally in HIV+ patients initiating HAART, while matched HIV+ controls no t on HAART did not change (P=0.045). Significant improvement in motor perfo rmance can occur after HAART in HIV+ patients with impairment.