Effects of a Low-Intensity Walking Intervention on Walking Performance Measures in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a low-intensity (pain-free) walking intervention on walking performance and self-report measures in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Thirty-three participants who experienced intermittent claudication were assigned to either a walking group (n = 18) or a comparison group (n = 15). The walking group performed a structured walking program (pain-free walking, 5 days per week for 12 weeks). The comparison group maintained their usual daily activities. Tests of walking performance included a treadmill test (pain-free, functional and maximal walking distances were measured) and the 6-minute walk test. Self-perception of walking ability was determined using the walking impairment questionnaire. Circulatory measures were obtained from the ankle-brachial index, (ABI). Participants were assessed at the beginning (Week 1) and end of the study (Week 12). Members of the walking group significantly increased their walking performance and self-perception of walking ability, whereas the ABI remained the same. These results show that participation in a 12-week, low-intensity (pain-free) exercise program can enhance physical performance, perception of walking ability and maintain the ABI suggesting that a home-based exercise program is a viable alternative to traditional exercise programs prescribed for patients with symptomatic PAD. Keywords: peripheral artery disease, exercise, walking performance, ankle-brachial index, walking impairment questionnaire