Barriers to physical activity in patients with intermittent claudication

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Exercise Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Intermittent claudication (IC) patients report barriers related to symptoms, but the link to physical activity (PA) levels is unclear.
• Understanding these barriers is crucial for improving patient mobility and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze barriers to and factors associated with physical activity (PA) in patients with intermittent claudication (IC).
• To identify key determinants influencing PA levels in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 150 Brazilian IC patients (mean age 64 years).
• Data collected included sociodemographics, comorbidities, cardiovascular risk factors, personal/environmental barriers to PA, and walking capacity (COD, PWD).
• PA was objectively measured using a pedometer over seven consecutive days.

Main Results:

• IC patients averaged 6,041 ± 3,166 steps/day.
• The primary barriers identified were exercise-induced pain and environmental obstacles exacerbating leg pain.
• PA levels were inversely associated with age and lack of green areas, but positively associated with peak walking distance (PWD).

Conclusions:

• Older IC patients with reduced walking capacity and living in neighborhoods lacking green spaces exhibit lower PA levels.
• Targeting environmental and personal barriers, such as pain and accessibility, is essential for promoting PA in IC patients.