Maximal strength training improves walking performance in peripheral arterial disease patients

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Vascular Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is characterized by reduced muscle strength and impaired walking ability.
• Patients with Fontaine stage II PAD experience functional limitations due to intermittent claudication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of maximal strength training (MST) on walking economy and performance in PAD patients.
• To assess the effectiveness of an 8-week MST program in improving functional capacity.

Main Methods:

• Ten patients with Fontaine stage II PAD underwent an 8-week control period followed by an 8-week MST program (3x/week).
• MST involved dynamic leg press exercises at 85-90% of one repetition maximum (1 RM).
• Measurements included leg press 1 RM, rate of force development, walking economy, and treadmill walking performance.

Main Results:

• MST significantly increased leg press 1 RM by 31.3% and dynamic rate of force development by 102.7%.
• Walking economy improved by 9.7% and walking performance by 13.6% after MST.
• No significant changes were observed during the control period or in body mass or peak oxygen uptake.

Conclusions:

• Maximal strength training effectively enhances muscle strength in PAD patients with mild to moderate-severe claudication.
• MST leads to significant improvements in walking economy and performance.
• These findings support the integration of MST into comprehensive treatment plans for PAD.