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Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Published on: December 11, 2013
Blood pressure in patients with intermittent claudication increases continuously during walking
E F Bakke1, J Hisdal, J J Jørgensen
1Department of Vascular Diagnosis and Research, Oslo Vascular Centre, Aker University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Summary
Peripheral atherosclerotic disease (PAD) patients exhibit significant blood pressure increases during walking, similar to isometric exercise responses. Acral skin perfusion showed no significant difference between PAD patients and healthy controls during the walking test.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Peripheral atherosclerotic disease (PAD) is a common condition affecting limb circulation.
- Understanding circulatory responses during exercise is crucial for managing PAD.
- Previous research has focused on isometric exercise responses in PAD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the circulatory responses to dynamic walking exercise in patients with PAD and healthy controls.
- To investigate blood pressure and heart rate changes during treadmill walking to maximal claudication distance in PAD patients.
Main Methods:
- Eleven patients with diagnosed PAD and six healthy age-matched controls participated.
- Continuous monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and acral skin perfusion.
- Treadmill walking exercise to maximal claudication distance (MCD) for PAD patients and a fixed duration for controls.
Main Results:
- PAD patients walked a median distance of 103 meters, experiencing steep increases in HR and mean arterial pressure (MAP) up to 46.6 mmHg.
- Control group showed moderate, stabilized blood pressure increases (MAP rise of 8.5 mmHg).
- No significant differences in acral skin perfusion were observed between groups during walking.
Conclusions:
- Patients with PAD demonstrate continuous and significant blood pressure elevation during dynamic walking exercise to MCD.
- The observed blood pressure increase in PAD patients during walking is comparable to responses seen during isometric exercise.
- Dynamic exercise testing provides insights into cardiovascular strain in PAD, distinct from perfusion changes.
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