To assess the effects of aerobic exercise alone or in combination with resistance training on cardiorespiratory fitness (Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO2max) and performance in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in PLWH. METHODS: Two authors (CPC and PAZ) independently performed a systematic literature search for relevant articles in six web-based databases. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database-Scale (PEDro-scale) was used to rate the quality level of the studies and to assess the risk of bias. A meta-analysis was performed and standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for each outcome and assessed for heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of 335 articles were found. After screening, a total of 14 articles were selected with three more articles added after cross referencing, leading to a total of 17 included studies (n= 617 subjects after intervention). Only 8 of the selected studies had a PEDro-Score ≥ 6 after quality assessment. 13 studies assessed VO2max and 4 studies 6MWT. The random-effect model was used. Exercise significantly improved VO2max (SMD = 0.61 ml·kg-1·min-1, 95% CI: 0.35-0.88, z = 4.47, p < 0.001). After exercise intervention, 6MWT distance also increased significantly (SMD = 0.59 meters, 95% CI: 0.08-1.11, z = 2.25 (p = 0.02). Heterogeneity of VO2max and 6MWT between included studies was I2 = 50% and I2 = 63%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Performing aerobic exercise alone or in combination with resistance training can lead to significant improvements in outcomes of cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max and 6MWT) in PLWH and could therefore be a protective factor for PLWH dealing with multiple comorbidities.