Supervised In-Person versus Home-Based Exercise in Peripheral Artery Disease: A Pilot Comparative Study

Peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAD) causes intermittent claudication and functional impairment. Exercise is a primary therapeutic strategy, yet comparisons between supervised in-person and remote home-based programs are limited. This pilot study compared both modalities on physical function and quality of life in individuals with PAD.

Fifteen adults under 65 years with PAD were assigned to an in-person group (n = 8) or a home-based group (n = 7). Both completed an 8-week aerobic and resistance-training program (3 60-min sessions/week). Vascular function (PVR 2CP), body composition, physical function (1-min STST, 6MWT), muscle oxygen saturation (SmO₂), medication adherence (Morisky-Green), physical activity (IPAQ), and quality of life (EQ-5D VAS) were assessed.

Participants were mostly men (60%) with multiple comorbidities. No baseline differences were observed. Adherence was higher in the in-person group (91.7% vs. 41%). The in-person group showed significant improvements in 6MWT distance (+51 m; P < 0.05), PVR, pain-free walking, and lower-limb strength/endurance (1-min STST; P < 0.05). The home-based group showed no significant functional changes. Pain-free walking improved in both groups, with greater gains in the in-person modality. Hemodynamic measures remained stable, medication adherence was unchanged, and quality of life showed slight improvement in both groups. Physiological responses during the 6MWT displayed expected exercise-related patterns without group differences.

Supervised in-person exercise produced meaningful improvements in functional capacity, strength, endurance, and PVR values. These benefits underscore the effectiveness of this supervised in-person protocol for individuals with PAD in our local context.