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The reproducibility of the treadmill walking test for claudication
Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics
|November 1, 1979
Summary
A single treadmill walking test is insufficient for assessing stable claudication. While walking time is reproducible, pain onset timing varies significantly, indicating the need for multiple tests to accurately evaluate claudication symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Stable claudication is a common symptom of peripheral artery disease.
- Accurate assessment of claudication is crucial for patient management and treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reproducibility of standard treadmill walking tests in patients with stable claudication.
- To determine if a single walking test adequately assesses claudication.
Main Methods:
- 117 patients with stable claudication underwent two standard treadmill walking tests one week apart.
- Total walking time and time to onset of pain were recorded.
- Absolute limb pressures were measured using Doppler ultrasound.
Main Results:
- Total walking time was reproducible between the two tests.
- A significant delay in the onset of pain was observed during the second test.
- Doppler-measured limb pressures were reproducible for the group, but showed significant individual variation.
Conclusions:
- A single treadmill walking test is inadequate for assessing stable claudication due to variability in pain onset.
- Repeat testing is recommended for a more reliable evaluation of claudication.
- Individual variations in limb pressure measurements highlight the complexity of claudication assessment.