Article

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic, progressive disease with
a significant cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk burden and a considerable
impact on functional capacity and quality of life (QoL). Exercise programmes
result in significant improvements in walking distances but long-term effects are
uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the one-year effects of
participation in a 12-week supervised exercise programme on functional capacity
and QoL for PAD patients. METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated to a control
(n = 16) or an exercise (n = 28) group. Data regarding functional capacity
(Walking Impairment Questionnaire WIQ), disease-specific QoL (Intermittent
Claudication Questionnaire ICQ) and generic QoL (SF-36) were collected at
baseline, 12 weeks and 1 year. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, there was a trend towards
improved QoL in both groups, with a tendency for greater improvement in the
exercise group (p = 0.066) and a trend towards improved functional capacity (WIQ
Stair-climbing p = 0.093) in the exercise group. At 1 year, ICQ scores in the
exercise group were considerably better than those in the control group (p =
0.058), reflecting improved QoL and maintenance of benefits. CONCLUSIONS:
Participation in a supervised exercise programme results in improvements in
functional capacity and QoL at 1 year post-participation.

Langue : ANGLAIS