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Updated: May 2, 2026

Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Published on: December 11, 2013
Illness beliefs and walking behavior after revascularization for intermittent claudication: a qualitative study
Maggie A Cunningham1, Vivien Swanson, Elise Pappas
1Psychology Department, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland (Drs Cunningham, Swanson, and O'Carroll); Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease, School of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia (Ms Pappas); and NHS Forth Valley, Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert, Scotland (Mr Holdsworth).
Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) often maintain low physical activity levels post-intervention due to misconceptions about their condition and treatment. Addressing these beliefs is crucial for improving cardiovascular health outcomes in PAD patients.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Cardiovascular Health
- Patient Behavior Studies
Background:
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD) necessitates increased physical activity for cardiovascular risk reduction.
- Vascular interventions address intermittent claudication symptoms but not the underlying disease.
- Understanding patient beliefs is key to improving management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the beliefs and physical activity behaviors of patients with PAD after vascular intervention.
- To identify factors influencing adherence to physical activity recommendations.
Main Methods:
- Semistructured interviews with 20 participants who underwent vascular intervention for intermittent claudication.
- Thematic analysis of transcribed interview data focusing on illness beliefs and walking behavior.
Main Results:
- Participants reported persistent leg pain, viewing it as damage from walking.
- Beliefs about PAD as an acute, treatable condition led to avoidance of physical activity.
- Lack of awareness regarding disease causes and cardiovascular risk was prevalent.
Conclusions:
- Dysfunctional and incongruous beliefs about PAD, its treatment, and physical activity hinder behavior change post-intervention.
- Targeted interventions addressing patient beliefs are needed to promote physical activity in PAD patients.
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