Conclusion Although data are limited , there is a strong significant relationship between plantar flexor muscle strength and treadmill walking ability .
Background and Objective Exercise is a widely accepted treatment known to improve walking ability in persons with peripheral arterial disease ( PAD ) ; however , it has not been confirmed as to whether exercise improves fitness and performance-based function and , consequently , performance of activities of daily living ( ADL ) .
This systematic review aims to identify whether any mode of structured exercise improves physical fitness or performance-based tests of function and whether improvement in walking ability is related to an improvement in these outcomes .
Data Sources and Study Selection Eligible studies included r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) using an exercise intervention for the treatment of intermittent claudication with fitness ( including the 6-min walk ( 6MW ) , aerobic capacity , shuttle and muscle strength ) tests and performance-based tests of function as the outcomes .
Effects of long-term exercise rehabilitation on claudication distances in patients with peripheral arterial disease: a randomized controlled trial.
PURPOSE To determine if improvements in physical function and peripheral circulation after 6 months of exercise rehabilitation could be sustained over a subsequent 12-month maintenance exercise program in older patients with intermittent claudication . METHODS Seventeen patients r and omized to exercise rehabilitation and 14 patients r and omized to usual care control completed this 18-month study . Patients exercised three times per week during the first 6 months of a progressive exercise program , followed by two times per week during the final 12 months of a maintenance program . Patients were studied at baseline , 6 months , and 18 months during the study . RESULTS Eighteen months of exercise rehabilitation increased the initial claudication distance by 373 meters ( 189 % ) ( P < .001 ) , the absolute claudication distance by 358 meters ( 80 % ) ( P < .001 ) , walking economy by 11 % ( P < .001 ) , 6-minute walk distance by 10 % ( P < .001 ) , daily physical activity by 31 % , and maximal calf blood flow by 18 % ( P < .001 ) . These changes were similar to those found after 6 months of exercise rehabilitation ( P = NS ) , and were significantly greater than the changes in the control group throughout the study ( P < .05 ) . CONCLUSION Improvements in claudication distances , walking economy , 6-minute walk distance , physical activity level , and peripheral circulation after 6 months of exercise rehabilitation are sustained for an additional 12 months in older patients with intermittent claudication using a less frequent exercise maintenance program
Conclusion Although data are limited , there is a strong significant relationship between plantar flexor muscle strength and treadmill walking ability .
Background and Objective Exercise is a widely accepted treatment known to improve walking ability in persons with peripheral arterial disease ( PAD ) ; however , it has not been confirmed as to whether exercise improves fitness and performance-based function and , consequently , performance of activities of daily living ( ADL ) .
This systematic review aims to identify whether any mode of structured exercise improves physical fitness or performance-based tests of function and whether improvement in walking ability is related to an improvement in these outcomes .
Data Sources and Study Selection Eligible studies included r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) using an exercise intervention for the treatment of intermittent claudication with fitness ( including the 6-min walk ( 6MW ) , aerobic capacity , shuttle and muscle strength ) tests and performance-based tests of function as the outcomes .