Systematic review of tracking-based technology for patients with claudication

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) management often lacks supervised exercise therapy programs.
• Tracking-based technology (TBT) offers a scalable solution for PAD management.
• TBT includes activity monitors and mobile health applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effectiveness of TBT in managing claudication.
• To evaluate TBT's impact on walking performance, perceived walking impairment, and quality of life (QoL).

Main Methods:

• Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Multidatabase search using terms related to PAD, intermittent claudication, wearable devices, and mobile health applications.
• Inclusion of 18 studies (15 RCTs, 3 cohort studies) totaling 1055 patients.

Main Results:

• TBT group demonstrated significant improvements in walking ability parameters.
• Improvements observed in 6-minute walking distance, claudication onset/maximum walking times, and claudication distance.
• Enhanced quality of life and self-reported walking impairment were noted.

Conclusions:

• Evidence supports TBT integration into PAD management for improved walking performance, functional status, and QoL.
• Further research is needed on adherence, compliance, and long-term outcomes.
• PROSPERO Registration No.: CRD42022307731.