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[The effectiveness of standardized exercise training in intermittent claudication]
M Cachovan1, P Scheffler, J Gruss
1Herz-Kreislauf-Klinik, Bad Bevensen, Bunderepublik Deutschland.
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Intensive physical training significantly improved walking distance for patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). This pilot study showed a 61% increase in initial claudication distance after a 4-week exercise program.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) stage II typically managed with physical training.
- Need for standardized exercise protocols to evaluate adjunct therapies like pharmacotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of an intensive, standardized physical training program on claudication distance in PAOD patients.
- To establish a baseline for future studies on pharmacotherapy combined with exercise.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study involving 23 in-patients with stage II PAOD.
- 4-week intensive program: supervised gymnastics and treadmill exercise (2 cycles, 66% of absolute claudication distance).
- Standardized treadmill testing (12% inclination, 3 km/h).
Main Results:
- Significant increase in mean initial claudication distance (83m to 134m, 61% improvement).
- Significant increase in mean absolute claudication distance (127m to 222m, 75% improvement).
- 48% of patients met the efficacy criterion (≥60% increase in claudication distance).
Conclusions:
- Intensive, standardized physical training is effective in improving claudication distance in stage II PAOD.
- The program demonstrated a high patient willingness (62%) for repeat participation.
- Results support the use of this training protocol in future pharmacotherapy efficacy studies.