Exercise training improves functional status in patients with peripheral arterial disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Exercise Physiology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Intermittent claudication (IC) impairs daily functional status.
• Structured exercise programs can improve exercise performance in IC patients.
• Limited research exists on exercise training's impact on daily functional status in IC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of supervised exercise training on functional status in IC patients.
• To compare the efficacy of 12 versus 24 weeks of treadmill training.
• To assess the impact of strength training and combined training on functional status.

Main Methods:

• 29 men with IC were randomized into treadmill training, strength training, or control groups.
• Functional status was measured using the Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) and Medical Outcomes Study SF-20 (MOS).
• Habitual physical activity and activity levels were monitored using Physical Activity Recall (PAR) and Vitalog activity monitors.

Main Results:

• Treadmill training for 12 weeks improved physical functioning (MOS) and activity levels (PAR, Vitalog).
• Extending treadmill training to 24 weeks further enhanced walking ability (WIQ) and reduced IC severity.
• Strength training alone improved some aspects of walking speed and well-being (MOS), but was less effective overall than treadmill training.

Conclusions:

• Supervised treadmill training effectively improves functional status in daily activities for IC patients.
• A 24-week program is more beneficial than a 12-week program for enhancing functional status.
• Treadmill training alone demonstrated superior efficacy compared to strength training or combined modalities.