All patients benefit equally from a supervised exercise program for claudication

This study assessed the effect of gender, diabetic status, statin use, smoking, hypertension, cardiac status, and use of cilostazol on the outcome of a supervised exercise program for patients with claudication. Patient risk factors were prospectively recorded in a group of patients who had completed 1 year on a supervised exercise program. In 165 claudicant patients, maximum walking distance increased (P < .0001) from 67 meters (range, 17-196) to 122 meters (range, 43-409). Quality of life as measured by the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 increased (P < .0001) from a median of 78 (range, 55-110) to 99 (range, 71-154). The improvements in claudication distance, maximal walking distance, and quality of life after the exercise program were not dependent on any of the measured patient factors. Patients referred to exercise programs for claudication are a heterogenous group. Despite this, they benefit equally from such a program.