Exercise Training for Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective: To quantify expected benefits of exercise training in people with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Hypothesis: Walking as a training modality and training to mild pain were optimal for improving peak VO₂ and symptoms. Methods: We conducted a systematic search (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane controlled trials registry; 1966-May 31, 2014). We included randomized controlled trials (RCT's) of exercise training versus usual medical care in persons with PAD, 42 of 60 (70%) RCT's met selection criteria. ... Conclusions and Relevance: Various modes of exercise improve cardio-respiratory fitness, pain free and total flat ground walking distances and graded treadmill performance in PAD. Alternative modes of exercise are understudied in terms of quality of life, however walking to some level of claudication pain improves WIQ speed, distance and stair climbing scores in PAD as well as SF-36 physical component score.