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Walking exercise in patients with intermittent claudication. Experience in routine clinical practice
Marie-Louise Bartelink1, Henri E J H Stoffers, Cornelis J Biesheuvel
1University Medical Centre Utrecht, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care Utrecht, The Netherlands. m.e.l.bartelink@med.uu.nl
Summary
Many patients with intermittent claudication do not perform recommended walking exercise due to lack of specific advice and supervision. Improving these factors could enhance exercise adherence for better health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Exercise Science
- Patient Adherence
Background:
- Walking exercise effectively improves pain and walking distance in intermittent claudication.
- Implementation data for walking exercise programs in these patients are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate patient behaviors and perspectives regarding walking exercise for intermittent claudication.
- To identify barriers and facilitators influencing exercise participation.
Main Methods:
- A postal questionnaire was distributed to 375 patients with intermittent claudication.
- Focus group meetings were conducted with a subset of questionnaire responders.
- Data were collected from 216 (58%) returned questionnaires and 9 focus group participants.
Main Results:
- 70% of patients received advice on walking exercise, often recommending local neighborhood walks.
- Only 52% of patients performed walking exercise, with just 32% receiving supervision.
- Key barriers included comorbidity, lack of specific advice, and insufficient supervision.
Conclusions:
- Nearly half of intermittent claudication patients in the study did not engage in walking exercise.
- Lack of specific guidance and supervision are significant barriers to exercise adherence.
- Addressing these barriers is crucial for improving exercise implementation.