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Plantar flexion: an effective training for peripheral arterial disease
Eivind Wang1, Jan Hoff, Henrik Loe
1Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Olav Kyrres gt. 9, MTFS, Trondheim, Norway. eivind.wang@ntnu.no
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|August 30, 2008
Summary
Leg training improved physical capacity and reduced leg pain in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients. Plantar flexion exercise enhanced peak oxygen uptake and walking performance, offering a potential treatment strategy.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is characterized by leg pain and reduced physical capacity.
- Limited treatment options exist to improve functional outcomes in PAD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if targeted leg training can improve leg pain and overall physical function in PAD patients.
- To assess the effects of plantar flexion training on exercise capacity and walking performance.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-seven PAD patients were randomized into a training group (TG) or control group.
- The TG performed 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training targeting plantar flexion.
- Outcomes included leg and whole-body exercise capacity, walking performance, and leg pain assessment.
Main Results:
- The TG showed significant increases in plantar flexion peak oxygen uptake (23.5%) and power output (43.9%).
- Treadmill peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) increased by 12.3% and time to exhaustion by 20.0% in the TG.
- Eleven of 14 patients in the TG reported no leg pain limitations at VO2peak.
Conclusions:
- Plantar flexion training effectively enhances exercise capacity and walking performance in PAD patients.
- This training modality may serve as a valuable therapeutic strategy for managing PAD symptoms and improving quality of life.
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