Efficacy of arm-ergometry versus treadmill exercise training to improve walking distance in patients with claudication.

Full Abstract

The efficacy of treadmill walking training to improve pain-free (PFWD) and maximal (MWD) walking distance in patients with claudication is well documented. The effects of aerobic arm-ergometry to improve PFWD and MWD compared to treadmill walking or usual care are not known. Forty-one participants (29 male, 12 female, mean age 67.7 years, 92.7% smoking history, 36.6% with diabetes) with lifestyle-limiting claudication were randomized to 12 weeks of 3 hours/week of supervised exercise training using either arm-ergometry, treadmill walking, or a combination, versus control. PFWD and MWD were assessed before and after training, and after 12 weeks of follow-up. The 12-week MWD increased significantly in the arm-ergometry (+53%), treadmill (+69%), and combination (+68%) groups (p < 0.002 versus control). The 24-week MWD was maintained in the arm-ergometry (p = 0.009) and treadmill (p = 0.019) groups, whereas the combination group declined (p = 0.751) versus control. The 12-week PFWD increased significantly in the arm-ergometry group (+82%; p = 0.025 versus control). Change in PFWD in treadmill (+54%; p = 0.196 versus control) and combination (+60%; p = 0.107 versus control) groups did not reach statistical significance. PFWD improvement was maintained in the arm-ergometry group after a 12-week follow-up (+123%; p = 0.011 versus control). In conclusion, these pilot data demonstrate for the first time that dynamic arm exercise training can improve walking capability in people with peripheral arterial disease (PAD)-induced claudication compared to participants receiving usual care and that improvement was not different from that seen with treadmill walking exercise training. Dynamic arm exercise may be a therapeutic exercise option for patients with PAD.

Author information

Author/s: Treat-Jacobson, Diane (D); Bronas, Ulf G (UG); Leon, Arthur S (AS);

Affiliation: University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Center for Gerontological Nursing, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. treat001(-atsign-)umn.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Vascular medicine (London, England) (Vasc Med), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Aug; vol 14 (issue 3) : pp 203-13

Dates: Created 2009/08/04; Completed 2009/10/08;

PMID: 19651669, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/8/2009, IMS Date: )

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