Walking training at the heart rate of pain threshold improves cardiovascular function and autonomic regulation in intermittent claudication: A randomized controlled trial

Editor's Choice - Analysis of Lower Limb Amputations in Brazil's Public Health System over 13 Years

OBJECTIVE

Understanding the causes of amputation is crucial for defining health policies that seek to avoid such an outcome, but only a few studies have investigated the epidemiology of patients submitted to amputations in developing countries. The objective of this study was to analyse all lower limb amputations performed in the public health system in Brazil over a 13 year period, evaluating trends in the number of cases, patient demographics, associated aetiologies, hospital length of stay, and in hospital mortality rate.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, population based analysis of all lower limb amputations performed in the Brazilian public health system between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2020. Using a public database, all types of amputations were selected, defining the number of procedures, their main aetiologies, anatomical level of limb loss, demographic data, regional distribution, and other variables of interest.

RESULTS

A total of 633 455 amputations were performed between 2008 and 2020, mostly (55.6%) minor amputations, predominantly in males (67%). There was an upward trend in the number of amputations, determined mainly by the increase in major amputations (50.4% increase in the period). Elderly individuals have the highest rates of amputation. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is becoming the main primary diagnosis associated with amputations over the years. The highest in hospital mortality rate occurred after major amputations and was associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

CONCLUSION

Amputation rates in Brazil show an upward trend. DM is becoming the most frequent associated primary diagnosis, although PAD is the diagnosis most associated with major amputations and in hospital death.

Feasibility and acceptability of a telerehabilitation intervention on patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty in Iran: randomised controlled trial protocol

INTRODUCTION

Telerehabilitation is a promising avenue to enhance post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA) rehabilitation by improving accessibility, convenience and cost-effectiveness. Despite its potential benefits, its application in the context of TKA in Iran is in its early stages, lacking comprehensive studies on feasibility, acceptance and programme adherence. This article outlines a protocol for an open-label, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial investigating the impact of a 4 week telerehabilitation programme alongside usual care.

METHODS

Thirty patients (aged 50-90) undergoing TKA for severe Knee Osteoarthritis at Atiyeh Hospital in Tehran, Iran, will be recruited using block randomisation. Participants will be assigned to either the intervention group, receiving telerehabilitation or the control group without telerehabilitation. The intervention will include virtual physiotherapy sessions thrice weekly, lasting 30-45 min each, over 4 weeks. The primary objective is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of telerehabilitation, measured through recruitment and attrition rates, questionnaire completion rates, patient satisfaction using appropriate questionnaire and adherence to the intervention. Secondary outcomes encompass four Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaire subscales (function in Activities of Daily Living, Pain, Symptoms, Quality of Life). Patient global assessment will use a standardised question. An online survey will evaluate walking assistant device usage, exercise adherence and adverse events. The number of individuals receiving in-person rehabilitation will be documented after the first postoperative surgeon visit. Assessments occur at baseline and 4 weeks postsurgery.

ANALYSIS

Statistical analysis, including independent samples t-test, paired samples t-test, χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, analysis of covariance and multiple linear regression, will use SPSS software version 16, with significance set at p<0.05.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Approved by AJA University of Medical Sciences Ethics Committee (IR.AJAUMS.REC.1402.126), trial results will be presented to relevant groups and published in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

TCTR20231020004.

Effects of acute hyperoxia on autonomic function and coronary tone in patients with peripheral artery disease

Numerous studies have shown that oxidative stress plays an important role in peripheral artery disease (PAD). Prior reports suggested autonomic dysfunction in PAD. We hypothesized that responses of the autonomic nervous system and coronary tone would be impaired in patients with PAD during exposure to acute hyperoxia, an oxidative stressor. In 20 patients with PAD and 16 healthy, sex- and age-matched controls, beat-by-beat heart rate (HR, from ECG) and blood pressure (BP, with Finometer) were recorded for 10 min during room air breathing and 5 min of hyperoxia. Cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity and HR variability (HRV) were evaluated as measures of autonomic function. Transthoracic coronary echocardiography was used to assess peak coronary blood flow velocity (CBV) in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity at rest was lower in PAD than in healthy controls. Hyperoxia raised BP solely in the patients with PAD, with no change observed in healthy controls. Hyperoxia induced an increase in cardiac parasympathetic activity assessed by the high-frequency component of HRV in healthy controls but not in PAD. Indices of parasympathetic activity were lower in PAD than in healthy controls throughout the trial as well as during hyperoxia. Hyperoxia induced coronary vasoconstriction in both groups, while the coronary perfusion time fraction was lower in PAD than in healthy controls. These results suggest that the response in parasympathetic activity to hyperoxia (i.e., oxidative stress) is blunted and the coronary perfusion time is shorter in patients with PAD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) showed consistently lower parasympathetic activity and blunted cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity compared with healthy individuals. Notably, hyperoxia, which normally boosts parasympathetic activity in healthy individuals, failed to induce this response in patients with PAD. These data suggest altered autonomic responses during hyperoxia in PAD.

Retrospective analysis of 1,203 cases of referral to a quaternary vascular surgery outpatient clinic within the Unified Health System, São Paulo, Brazil

OBJECTIVE

Through a retrospective analysis of 1,203 cases of referral from primary healthcare units to a specialized quaternary vascular surgical service, the findings of this study revealed a high proportion of inappropriate referrals, which may represent a substantial subutilization of this highly complex service. Consequently, in this study, we aimed to evaluate 1,203 cases of referral to a quaternary vascular surgical service, in São Paulo, Brazil, over a 6-year period, to assess the appropriate need for referral; in addition to the prevalence of surgical indications.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, we reviewed the institutional records of participants referred from Basic Healthcare Units to a vascular surgical service inside the Brazilian Unified Health System, between May 2015 and December 2020. Demographic and clinical data were collected. The participants were stratified, as per the reason for referral to the vascular surgical service, previous imaging studies, and surgical treatment indications. Referral appropriateness and complementary examinations were evaluated for each disease cohort. Finally, the prevalence of cases requiring surgical treatment was defined as the outcome measure.

RESULTS

Of the 1,203 referrals evaluated, venous disease was the main reason for referral (53%), followed by peripheral arterial disease (19.4%). A considerable proportion of participants had been referred without complementary imaging or after a long duration of undergoing an examination. Referrals were regarded as inappropriate in 517 (43%) cases. Of these, 32 cases (6.2%) had been referred to the vascular surgical service, as the incorrect specialty. The percentage of referred participants who ultimately underwent surgical treatment was 39.92%. Carotid (18%) and peripheral arterial diseases (18.4%) were correlated with a lower prevalence of surgical treatments.

CONCLUSION

The rate of referral appropriateness to specialized vascular care from primary care settings was low. This may represent a subutilization of quaternary surgical services, with low rates of surgical treatment.

Effects of additional exercise therapy after a successful vascular intervention for people with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease

BACKGROUND

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is characterised by obstruction or narrowing of the large arteries of the lower limbs, usually caused by atheromatous plaques. Most people with PAD who experience intermittent leg pain (intermittent claudication) are typically treated with secondary prevention strategies, including medical management and exercise therapy. Lower limb revascularisation may be suitable for people with significant disability and those who do not show satisfactory improvement after conservative treatment. Some studies have suggested that lower limb revascularisation for PAD may not confer significantly more benefits than supervised exercise alone for improved physical function and quality of life. It is proposed that supervised exercise therapy as adjunctive treatment after successful lower limb revascularisation may confer additional benefits, surpassing the effects conferred by either treatment alone.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of a supervised exercise programme versus standard care following successful lower limb revascularisation in people with PAD.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, two other databases, and two trial registers, most recently on 14 March 2023.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials which compared supervised exercise training following lower limb revascularisation with standard care following lower limb revascularisation in adults (18 years and older) with PAD.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were maximum walking distance or time (MWD/T) on the treadmill, six-minute walk test (6MWT) total distance, and pain-free walking distance or time (PFWD/T) on the treadmill. Our secondary outcomes were changes in the ankle-brachial index, all-cause mortality, changes in health-related quality-of-life scores, reintervention rates, and changes in subjective measures of physical function. We analysed continuous data by determining the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI), and dichotomous data by determining the odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% CI. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence for each outcome.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified seven studies involving 376 participants. All studies involved participants who received either additional supervised exercise or standard care after lower limb revascularisation. The studies' exercise programmes varied, and included supervised treadmill walking, combined exercise, and circuit training. The duration of exercise therapy ranged from six weeks to six months; follow-up time ranged from six weeks to five years. Standard care also varied between studies, including no treatment or advice to stop smoking, lifestyle modifications, or best medical treatment. We classified all studies as having some risk of bias concerns. The certainty of the evidence was very low due to the risk of bias, inconsistency, and imprecision. The meta-analysis included only a subset of studies due to concerns regarding data reporting, heterogeneity, and bias in most published research. The evidence was of very low certainty for all the review outcomes. Meta-analysis comparing changes in maximum walking distance from baseline to end of follow-up showed no improvement (MD 159.47 m, 95% CI -36.43 to 355.38; I2 = 0 %; 2 studies, 89 participants). In contrast, exercise may improve the absolute maximum walking distance at the end of follow-up compared to standard care (MD 301.89 m, 95% CI 138.13 to 465.65; I2 = 0 %; 2 studies, 108 participants). Moreover, we are very uncertain if there are differences in the changes in the six-minute walk test total distance from baseline to treatment end between exercise and standard care (MD 32.6 m, 95% CI -17.7 to 82.3; 1 study, 49 participants), and in the absolute values at the end of follow-up (MD 55.6 m, 95% CI -2.6 to 113.8; 1 study, 49 participants). Regarding pain-free walking distance, we are also very uncertain if there are differences in the mean changes in PFWD from baseline to treatment end between exercise and standard care (MD 167.41 m, 95% CI -11 to 345.83; I2 = 0%; 2 studies, 87 participants). We are very uncertain if there are differences in the absolute values of ankle-brachial index at the end of follow-up between the intervention and standard care (MD 0.01, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.12; I2 = 62%; 2 studies, 110 participants), in mortality rates at the end of follow-up (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.42 to 2.00; I2 = 0%; 6 studies, 346 participants), health-related quality of life at the end of follow-up for the physical (MD 0.73, 95% CI -5.87 to 7.33; I2 = 64%; 2 studies, 105 participants) and mental component (MD 1.04, 95% CI -6.88 to 8.95; I2 = 70%; 2 studies, 105 participants) of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey. Finally, there may be little to no difference in reintervention rates at the end of follow-up between the intervention and standard care (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.23 to 3.65; I2 = 65%; 5 studies, 252 participants).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is very uncertain evidence that additional exercise therapy after successful lower limb revascularisation may improve absolute maximal walking distance at the end of follow-up compared to standard care. Evidence is also very uncertain about the effects of exercise on pain-free walking distance, six-minute walk test distance, quality of life, ankle-brachial index, mortality, and reintervention rates. Although it is not possible to confirm the effectiveness of supervised exercise compared to standard care for all outcomes, studies did not report any harm to participants from this intervention after lower limb revascularisation. Overall, the evidence incorporated into this review was very uncertain, and additional evidence is needed from large, well-designed, randomised controlled studies to more conclusively demonstrate the role additional exercise therapy has after lower limb revascularisation in people with PAD.

Effect of supervised exercise training on cardiovascular function in patients with intermittent claudication: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This study aimed to determine the effect of supervised exercise training (SET) on cardiovascular function in patients with intermittent claudication (IC). A systematic search in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases was conducted. Primary outcomes were systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), rate pressure product (RPP), cardiac output (CO), peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), and heart rate variability (HRV). Secondary outcomes were maximum walking distance (MWD) and pain-free walking distance (PFWD). Outcomes were reported as weighted mean difference (WMD) between the SET group and the control group and synthesized by using the random-effects model. Seventeen RCTs with a total of 936 patients were included in this review. SET resulted in significant improvements of SBP (WMD =  - 7.40, 95% CI - 10.69 ~  - 4.11, p < 0.001, I2 = 15.2%), DBP (WMD =  - 1.92, 95% CI - 3.82 ~  - 0.02, p = 0.048, I2 = 0.0%), HR (WMD =  - 3.38, 95% CI - 6.30 ~  - 0.46, p = 0.023, I2 = 0.0%), RPP (WMD =  - 1072.82, 95% CI - 1977.05 ~  - 168.59, p = 0.020, I2 = 42.7%), and VO2peak with plantar flexion ergometer exercise (WMD = 5.57, 95% CI 1.66 ~ 9.49, p = 0.005, I2 = 62.4%), whereas CO and HRV remained statistically unaltered. SET also improved MWD (WMD = 139.04, 95% CI 48.64 ~ 229.44, p = 0.003, I2 = 79.3%) and PFWD (WMD = 40.02, 95% CI 23.85 ~ 56.18, p < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%). In conclusion, SET is effective in improving cardiovascular function in patients with IC, which was confirmed on outcomes of cardiovascular function associated with exercise ability. The findings hold out that the standard therapy of SET can improve not only walking distance but also cardiovascular function in patients with IC.

Rehabilitation Techniques Before and After Total Knee Arthroplasty for a Better Quality of Life

The most important gold standard treatment following advanced knee osteoarthritis is total knee arthroplasty. Following surgery of total knee replacement, the majority of patients report decreased pain and successful long-term results, but recovery is unpredictable, and most patients continue to exhibit muscle weakness in their lower limbs and functional limitations in comparison to similarly aged control individuals. The goal of this review article was to systematically review different articles containing controlled and randomized studies to find out the effectiveness of outpatient care postoperatively on short- and long-term functional recovery. The purpose of this review article is to investigate the possible advantages of pre- and postoperative rehabilitation as well as the value of exercise regimen recommendations following total knee replacement. The following interventions after total knee arthroplasty are discussed in this review article: preoperative education and exercises, continuous passive movement, strengthening interventions, aquatic therapy, balanced training, tourniquet exposure, use of alignment and implants, role of apps in phones and different wearable devices, influence of postoperative protocols, knee bracing, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and clinical environment. Strengthening and intense functional exercises for patients above 45 years of age, in land or water programs like aquatic activities, with the increasing intensity of the exercises in accordance with the patient's progress, should be included in the best outpatient physical therapy protocols. Because these exercises are so precisely personalized, the best long-term effects after surgery may come from outpatient physiotherapy performed in a clinical setting under the supervision of a registered physiotherapist or medical professional. This review article also includes the change in the quality and well-being of a patient's life who has undergone total knee arthroplasty and practiced the rehabilitation techniques.

Physiological responses during walking in men and women with intermittent claudication

BACKGROUND

Miyasato et al. show that peak oxygen consumption, walking economy, anaerobic threshold, and cardiovascular responses (heart rate, blood pressure, and rate pressure product) during walking were similar between men and women with peripheral artery disease and intermittent claudication. There were no differences in the physiological responses to walking between men and women with intermittent claudication. Sex per se is not a factor that demands changes in walking prescription for patients with intermittent claudication.

OBJECTIVE

Peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), anaerobic threshold, walking economy, and cardiovascular responses during walking are used to guide and monitor walking training in patients with peripheral artery disease and intermittent claudication. Women with peripheral artery disease and intermittent claudication present greater impairments than men, and evaluating training markers according to sex for decisions regarding walking prescription in this population is important. This study aimed to compare VO2peak, walking economy, anaerobic threshold, and cardiovascular responses during walking in men and women with peripheral artery disease and intermittent claudication.

METHODS

Forty patients (20 men and 20 women with similar baseline characteristics) underwent a cardiopulmonary treadmill test (3.2km/h and 2% increase in slope every 2 minutes until maximal leg pain). The VO2 and rate-pressure product were assessed. Data from men and women were compared using t-tests.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between men and women (VO2peak: 15.0±4.8 versus 13.9±2.9mL∙kg-1∙min-1, p=0.38; walking economy: 9.6±2.7 versus 8.4±1.6mL∙kg-1∙min-1, p=0.09; anaerobic threshold: 10.5±3.2 versus 10.5±2.2mL∙kg-1∙min-1, p=0.98; rate pressure product at 1st stage: 13,465± 2,910 versus 14,445±4,379bpm∙mmHg, p=0.41; and rate pressure product at anaerobic threshold:13,673±3,100 versus 16,390±5,870bpm∙mmHg, p=0.08 and rate pressure product at peak exercise: 21,253±6,141 versus 21,923±7,414bpm∙mmHg, p=0.76, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Men and women with peripheral artery disease and similar baseline characteristics presented similar responses to walking, suggesting that decisions regarding walking prescription and monitoring can be made regardless of sex in this specific population.

Effects of exercise training on heart rate variability in individuals with lower extremity arterial disease and claudication: A systematic review

PURPOSE

To perform a systematic review of studies assessing the effects of regular exercise on heart rate variability (HRV) in individuals with lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) and symptoms of claudication.

METHODS

A systematic search in the electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, and Scielo, was conducted and updated on January 21, 2023. Randomized clinical trials investigating patients with LEAD and IC, assessing ≥ 4 wk of exercise interventions, and reporting at least one HRV measure (e.g., time or frequency domains) at baseline and follow-up were included. Two reviewers independently screened studies for inclusion, performed data extraction, and quality assessment of included studies.

RESULTS

Data from 7 trials were included (i.e., 5 walking, 1 resistance, and 1 isometric handgrip training), totaling 327 patients (66% males; range: 61 - 68 yr; ankle brachial index: 0.4 - 0.7). Following exercise training, three studies investigating walking training reported an increase in parasympathetic modulation indices and/or a decrease in sympathetic modulation indices (n = 2) as well as an increase in non-linear indices (n = 1).

CONCLUSION

The current evidence is weak, and larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of exercise training in improving HRV. Additionally, the high divergence in the methodology of studies indicated the need for standard tools to improve the quality of HRV measurements in exercise trials. It is recommended to use standard procedures in future trials investigating HRV.

KV4 channels in isolectin B4 muscle dorsal root ganglion neurons of rats with experimental peripheral artery disease: effects of bradykinin B1 and B2 receptors

Muscle afferent nerve-activated reflex sympathetic nervous and blood pressure responses are exaggerated during exercise in peripheral artery diseases (PAD). However, the precise signaling pathways and molecular mediators responsible for these abnormal autonomic responses in PAD are poorly understood. Our previous study suggests that A-type voltage-gated K+ (KV4) channels regulate the excitability in muscle dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of PAD rats; however, it is still lacking regarding the effects of PAD on characteristics of KV4 currents and engagement of bradykinin (BK) subtype receptors. Thus, we examined KV4 currents in two distinct muscle DRG neurons, namely isolectin B4-positive and B4-negative (IB4+ and IB4-) DRG neurons. IB4+ neurons express receptors for glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), whereas IB4- DRG neurons are depending on nerve growth factors for survival. Our data showed that current density in muscle DRG neurons of PAD rats was decreased and this particularly appeared in IB4+ DRG neurons as compared with IB4- DRG neurons. We also showed that stimulation of BK B1 and B2 receptors led to a greater inhibitory effect on KV4 currents in IB4+ muscle DRG neurons and siRNA knockdown of KV4 subunit KV4.3 decreased the activity of KV4 currents in IB4+ DRG neurons. In conclusion, our data suggest that limb ischemia and/or ischemia-induced BK inhibit activity of KV4 channels in a subpopulation of the thin fiber muscle afferent neurons depending on GDNF, which is likely a part of signaling pathways involved in the exaggerated blood pressure response during activation of muscle afferent nerves in PAD.

Inequity in exercise-based interventions for adults with intermittent claudication due to peripheral arterial disease: a systematic review

PURPOSE

To determine the equity in access to trials of exercise interventions for adults with intermittent claudication due to peripheral arterial disease.

METHODS

Systematic electronic database searches of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, PEDRO, Opengrey, ISRCTN and ClinincalTrials.gov for randomised controlled trials of exercise interventions for adults with intermittent claudication were conducted. Data extraction was informed by Cochrane's PROGRESS-Plus framework.

RESULTS

Searches identified 6412 records. Following the screening of 262 full texts, 49 trials including 3695 participants were included. All trials excluded potential participants on at least one equity factor. This comprised place of residence, language, sex, personal characteristics (e.g., age and disability), features of relationships (e.g., familial risk factors) and time-dependent factors, (e.g., time since revascularisation). Overall, 1839 of 7567 potential participants (24.3%) were excluded based on equity factors. Disability was the most frequently reported factor for exclusions.

CONCLUSION

Trialists endeavour to enrol a representative sample in exercise trials whilst preserving the safety profile of the intervention. This review highlights that these efforts can inadvertently lead to inequities in access as all trials excluded potential participants on at least one equity factor. Future exercise trials should optimise participation to maximise generalisability of findings. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020189965.Implications for rehabilitationEquity factors influence health opportunities and outcomes.All trials of exercise for people with intermittent claudication excluded adults on at least one equity factor.Disability was the predominant factor for exclusions from trials.Trials should optimise participation to maximise generalisability of results as these findings are used to inform treatment and service design.

Evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of an exercise and behaviour change intervention in socioeconomically deprived patients with peripheral arterial disease: The textpad study protocol

This pilot randomised controlled trial aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week home-based telehealth exercise and behavioural intervention delivered in socioeconomically deprived patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The study will also determine the preliminary effectiveness of the intervention for improving clinical and health outcomes. Sixty patients with PAD who meet the inclusion criteria will be recruited from outpatient clinic at the Freeman Hospital, United Kingdom. The intervention group will undergo telehealth behaviour intervention performed 3 times per week over 3 months. This program will comprise a home-based exercise (twice a week) and an individual lifestyle program (once per week). The control group will receive general health recommendations and advice to perform unsupervised walking training. The primary outcome will be feasibility and acceptability outcomes. The secondary outcomes will be objective and subjective function capacity, quality of life, dietary quality, physical activity levels, sleep pattern, alcohol and tobacco use, mental wellbeing, and patients’ activation. This pilot study will provide preliminary evidence of the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of home-based telehealth exercise and behavioural intervention delivered in socioeconomically deprived patients with PAD. In addition, the variance of the key health outcomes of this pilot study will be used to inform the sample size calculation for a future fully powered, multicentre randomized clinical trial.

Effects of arm-crank exercise on cardiovascular function, functional capacity, cognition and quality of life in patients with peripheral artery disease: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Arm-crank exercise training (ACT) is an alternative exercise strategy for patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) due to the attenuation of pain symptoms during the exercise, as well as the benefits to functional capacity.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to describe the study protocol to analyze the effects of ACT exercise on cardiovascular function, functional capacity, cognition and quality of life in patients with symptomatic PAD.

Methods

This is a three-armed randomized, prospective, single-blind data collection, single-center, controlled study enrolling 45 patients with symptomatic PAD who will be randomized into 3 intervention groups: walking training (WT), ACT and control group. The WT and ACT will perform 2 sessions/week, 15 to 10 sets of 2 to 5 minutes at values of 13 to 15 on the Borg scale. Before and after 12 weeks of intervention, cardiovascular function (ambulatory blood pressure, office blood pressure, central blood pressure, heart rate variability, arterial stiffness and vascular function), functional capacity (six-minute walk test, 2 minute step test, handgrip test, Walking impairment questionnaire, Walking estimated limitation calculated by history, Baltimore activity scale for intermittent claudication, and short physical performance battery), cognition (executive function and memory), and quality of life (vascular quality of life questionnaire and World Health Organization Quality of Life) will be assessed.

Results

This is the first trial to evaluate the effects of ACT on regulatory mechanisms of the cardiovascular system in PAD patients. If the results are as expected, they will provide evidence the ability of ACT to promote cardiovascular benefits in the symptomatic PAD population.

A systematic review of exercise intervention reporting quality and dose in studies of intermittent claudication

BACKGROUND

Exercise therapy is an important treatment option for people with intermittent claudication (IC). Appropriate reporting of exercise interventions in populations with IC within randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is important to ensure that research can be translated into clinical practice. Therefore, the purpose of our review is to evaluate the reporting of exercise interventions in RCTs of exercise therapy in patients with IC.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed to identify relevant trials in patients with IC published until May 2020. Studies including only participants with critical limb ischaemia or asymptomatic peripheral artery disease were excluded. Each trial was scored using the recently developed 'Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template' (CERT) which has a maximum obtainable score of 19.

RESULTS

Of 1489 unique records identified from the search, 73 trials were included, reporting 107 exercise interventions. Overall, the average CERT score was 10/19. The exercise equipment used, the use of supervision and a description of whether the exercise prescription was tailored or generic were the most frequently reported intervention components. The motivational strategies used, intervention adherence and intervention fidelity were the most underreported CERT components. There was no trend indicating that CERT scores were higher in more recent publications.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified that important details about exercise interventions are frequently missing from the published literature. These missing data hinder replication of research findings and limit the translation of evidence into clinical practice.

Intensity-dependent effects of exercise therapy on walking performance and aerobic fitness in symptomatic patients with lower-extremity peripheral artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

We investigated how nonpain-based exercise therapy intensity (light-to-moderate or vigorous) affects improvements in walking performance and cardiorespiratory fitness of patients with symptomatic lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD). We searched the Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases up to April 2021 and included randomized controlled trials reporting training therapies targeting exercise intensity (heart rate, oxygen consumption, or perceived exertion). The main outcomes were walking performance (pain-free [PFWD] and maximal [MWD] walking distance) and cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O_2peak). Secondary subanalyses examined the training modality (walking or other modalities) and the approach (high-intensity interval or moderate-intensity training). A total of 1132 patients were included. Light-to-moderate was superior to vigorous exercise intensity in improving MWD (223 m [95% CI 174 to 271], p < 0.00001; 153 m [95% CI 113 to 193], p < 0.00001; respectively) and PFWD (130 m [95% CI 87 to 173], p < 0.00001; 83 m [95% CI 61 to 104], p < 0.00001; respectively). When training modalities were considered, walking at a vigorous intensity (272 m [95% CI 207 to 337], p < 0.00001) showed the largest improvement in MWD compared to other exercise modalities. A larger increase in V̇O_2peak was observed following vigorous (3.0 mL O₂·kg^-1·min^-1 [95% CI 2.4 to 3.6], p < 0.00001) compared to light-to-moderate (1.1 mL O₂·kg^-1·min^-1 [95% CI 0.4 to 1.7], p = 0.001) exercise intensity. These results indicate that vigorous was less effective than light-to-moderate intensity in improving walking performance, whereas it was more effective in improving V̇O_2peak. When the training modalities were considered, walking at a vigorous intensity showed the greatest improvement in MWD. (PROSPERO Registration No.: CRD42020199469).

Physiological Responses to Maximal and Submaximal Walking in Patients with Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease

Fundamento:

Embora a caminhada máxima e submáxima sejam recomendadas para pacientes com doença arterial periférica (DAP), a realização desses exercícios pode induzir diferentes respostas fisiológicas.

Objetivos:

Comparar os efeitos agudos de caminhada máxima e submáxima na função cardiovascular, a regulação e os processos fisiopatológicos associados pós-exercício em pacientes com DAP sintomática.

Métodos:

Trinta pacientes do sexo masculino foram submetidos a 2 sessões: caminhada máxima (protocolo de Gardner) e caminhada submáxima (15 períodos de 2 minutos de caminhada separados por 2 minutos de repouso ereto). Em cada sessão, foram medidos a pressão arterial (PA), a frequência cardíaca (FC), a modulação autonômica cardíaca (variabilidade da FC), os fluxos sanguíneos (FS) do antebraço e da panturrilha, a capacidade vasodilatadora (hiperemia reativa), o óxido nítrico (ON), o estresse oxidativo (a peroxidação lipídica) e a inflamação (quatro marcadores), pré e pós-caminhada. ANOVAs foram empregadas e p < 0,05 foi considerado significativo.

Resultados:

A PA sistólica e a PA média diminuíram após a sessão submáxima, mas aumentaram após a sessão máxima (interações, p < 0,001 para ambas). A PA diastólica não foi alterada após a sessão submáxima (p > 0,05), mas aumentou após a caminhada máxima (interação, p < 0,001). A FC, o equilíbrio simpatovagal e os FS aumentaram de forma semelhante após as duas sessões (momento, p < 0,001, p = 0,04 e p < 0,001, respectivamente), enquanto a capacidade vasodilatadora, o ON e o estresse oxidativo permaneceram inalterados (p > 0,05). As moléculas de adesão vascular e intercelular aumentaram de forma semelhante após as sessões de caminhada máxima e submáxima (momento, p = 0,001).

Conclusões:

Nos pacientes com a DAP sintomática, a caminhada submáxima, mas não a máxima, reduziu a PA pós-exercício, enquanto a caminhada máxima manteve a sobrecarga cardíaca elevada durante o período de recuperação. Por outro lado, as sessões de caminhada máxima e submáxima aumentaram a FC, o equilíbrio simpatovagal cardíaco e a inflamação pós-exercício de forma semelhante, enquanto não alteraram a biodisponibilidade de ON e o estresse oxidativo pós-exercício.

Effects of bradykinin on voltage-gated KV 4 channels in muscle dorsal root ganglion neurons of rats with experimental peripheral artery disease

KEY POINTS

During exercise, bradykinin (BK), a muscle metabolite in ischaemic muscles, exaggerates autonomic responses to activation of muscle afferent nerves in peripheral artery disease (PAD). We examined whether BK inhibits activity of KV 4 channels in muscle afferent neurons of PAD rats induced by femoral artery occlusion. We demonstrated that: 1) femoral occlusion attenuates KV 4 currents in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons innervating the hindlimb muscles and decreases the threshold of action potential firing; 2) BK has a greater inhibitory effect on KV 4 currents in muscle DRG neurons of PAD rats; and 3) expression of KV 4.3 is downregulated in DRGs of PAD rats and inhibition of KV 4.3 significantly decreases activity of KV 4 currents in muscle DRG neurons. Femoral artery occlusion-induced limb ischaemia and/or ischaemia-induced metabolites (i.e. BK) inhibit activity of KV 4 channels in muscle afferent neurons and this is likely involved in the exaggerated exercise pressor reflex in PAD.

ABSTRACT

Muscle afferent nerve-activated reflex sympathetic nervous and blood pressure responses are exaggerated during exercise in patients with peripheral artery diseases (PAD) and in PAD rats induced by femoral artery occlusion. However, the precise signalling pathways and molecular mediators responsible for these abnormal autonomic responses in PAD are poorly understood. A-type voltage-gated K+ (KV ) channels are quintessential regulators of cellular excitability in the various tissues. Among KV channels, KV 4 (i.e. KV 4.1 and KV 4.3) in primary sensory neurons mainly participate in physiological functions in regulation of mechanical and chemical sensation. However, little is known about the role of KV 4 in regulating neuronal activity in muscle afferent neurons of PAD. In addition, bradykinin (BK) is considered as a muscle metabolite contributing to the exaggerated exercise pressor reflex in PAD rats with femoral artery occlusion. Our data demonstrated that: 1) KV 4 currents are attenuated in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons innervating the hindlimb muscles of PAD rats, along with a decreasing threshold of action potential firing; 2) KV 4 currents are inhibited by application of BK onto muscle DRG neurons of PAD rats to a greater degree; and 3) expression of KV 4.3 is downregulated in the DRGs of PAD rats and KV 4.3 channel is a major contributor to the activity of KV 4 currents in muscle DRG neurons. In conclusion, data suggest that femoral artery occlusion-induced limb ischaemia and/or ischaemia-induced metabolites (i.e. BK) inhibit the activity of KV 4 channels in muscle afferent neurons likely leading to the exaggerated exercise pressor reflex observed in PAD.

Functional and Cardiovascular Measurements in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: COMPARISON BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN

PURPOSE

To compare functional and cardiovascular variables of men and women with peripheral artery disease (PAD).

METHODS

This observational, cross-sectional study included 67 women and 144 men (age 66 ± 9 and 67 ± 10 yr, respectively) with PAD. Patients were submitted to a clinical evaluation, 6-min walk test (6MWT) and cardiovascular evaluation, including blood pressure, arterial stiffness variables, and heart rate variability.

RESULTS

Women had lower claudication onset distance (P = .033) and 6MWT distance (P < .001), and similar percentage of the predicted 6MWT distance (P > .05). Women had higher pulse pressure (P = .002), augmentation index (P < .001), augmentation index corrected by 75 bpm (P < .001), and brachial and central systolic blood pressure (P = .041 and P = .029). Diastolic blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, and heart rate variability were similar between sexes (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Although predicted 6MWT performance was similar between sexes, women had higher blood pressure and wave reflection variables compared with men. Interventions to reduce blood pressure and wave reflection should be emphasized in women with PAD.

Walking Training Improves Ambulatory Blood Pressure Variability in Claudication

Fundamento:

O treinamento de caminhada (TC) melhora a capacidade de caminhar e reduz a pressão arterial (PA) clínica em pacientes com doença arterial periférica (DAP), mas seus efeitos na PA ambulatorial permanecem desconhecidos.

Objetivo:

Investigar o efeito de 12 semanas de TC na PA ambulatorial e sua variabilidade em pacientes com DAP.

Métodos:

Trinta e cinco pacientes do sexo masculino com DAP e sintomas de claudicação foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos: controle (n = 16, 30 min de alongamento) e TC (n = 19, 15 séries de 2 minutos de caminhada na frequência cardíaca em que ocorreu limiar de dor intercalados por 2 minutos de repouso em pé). Antes e depois de 12 semanas, a PA ambulatorial de 24 horas foi avaliada. Os índices de variabilidade da PA ambulatorial avaliados em ambos os momentos incluíram o desvio-padrão de 24 horas (DP₂₄), o desvio-padrão ponderado de vigília e sono (DP_vs) e a variabilidade real média de 24 horas (VRM₂₄). Os dados foram analisados por ANOVAs mistas de dois fatores, considerando significativo P<0,05.

Resultados:

Após 12 semanas, nenhum dos grupos apresentou alterações na PA de 24 horas, vigília e sono. O TC diminuiu as variabilidades da PA sistólica e média (PA sistólica – 13,3 ± 2,8 vs 11,8 ± 2,3; 12,1 ± 2,84 vs 10,7 ± 2,5; e 9,4 ± 2,3 vs 8,8 ± 2,2 mmHg; PA média – 11,0 ± 1,7 vs 10,4 ± 1,9; 10,1 ± 1,6 vs 9,1 ± 1,7; e 8,0 ± 1,7 vs 7,2 ± 1,5 mmHg para DP₂₄, DPvs e VRM₂₄, respectivamente). Nenhum dos grupos apresentou mudanças significantesnos índices de variabilidade da PA diastólica após 12 semanas.

Conclusões:

O TC não altera os níveis ambulatoriais da PA, mas diminui a sua variabilidade em pacientes com DAP. Essa melhora pode ter um impacto favorável no risco cardiovascular de pacientes com DAP sintomática. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(5):898-905)

A systematic review of exercise testing in patients with intermittent claudication: A focus on test standardisation and reporting quality in randomised controlled trials of exercise interventions

A systematic review was conducted to identify the range of terminology used in studies to describe maximum walking distance and the exercise testing protocols, and testing modalities used to measure it in patients with intermittent claudication. A secondary aim was to assess the implementation and reporting of the exercise testing protocols. CINAHL, Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched. Randomised controlled trials whereby patients with intermittent claudication were randomised to an exercise intervention were included. The terminology used to describe maximal walking distance was recorded, as was the modality and protocol used to measure it. The implementation and reporting quality was also assessed using pre-specified criteria. Sixty-four trials were included in this review. Maximal walking distance was reported using fourteen different terminologies. Twenty-two different treadmill protocols and three different corridor tests were employed to assess maximal walking distance. No single trial satisfied all the implementation and reporting criteria for an exercise testing protocol. Evidence shows that between-study interpretation is difficult given the heterogenous nature of the exercise testing protocols, test endpoints and terminology used to describe maximal walking distance. This is further compounded by poor test reporting and implementation across studies. Comprehensive guidelines need to be provided to enable a standardised approach to exercise testing in patients with intermittent claudication.

Walking Training Improves Systemic and Local Pathophysiological Processes in Intermittent Claudication

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the impact of submaximal walking training (WT) on local and systemic nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with intermittent claudication (IC).

METHODS

The study employed a randomised, controlled, parallel group design and was performed in a single centre. Thirty-two men with IC were randomly allocated to two groups: WT (n = 16, two sessions/week, 15 cycles of two minutes walking at an intensity corresponding to the heart rate obtained at the pain threshold interspersed by two minutes of upright rest) and control (CO, n = 16, two sessions/week, 30 minutes of stretching). NO bioavailability (blood NO and muscle nitric oxide synthase [eNOS]), redox homeostasis (catalase [CAT], superoxide dismutase [SOD], lipid peroxidation [LPO] measured in blood and muscle), and inflammation (interleukin-6 [IL-6], C-reactive protein [CRP], tumour necrosis factor α [TNF-α], intercellular adhesion molecules [ICAM], vascular adhesion molecules [VCAM] measured in blood and muscle) were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks.

RESULTS

WT statistically significantly increased blood NO, muscle eNOS, blood SOD and CAT, and muscle SOD and abolished the increase in circulating and muscle LPO observed in the CO group. WT decreased blood CRP, ICAM, and VCAM and muscle IL-6 and CRP and eliminated the increase in blood TNF-α and muscle TNF-α, ICAM and VCAM observed in the CO group.

CONCLUSION

WT at an intensity of pain threshold improved NO bioavailability and decreased systemic and local oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with IC. The proposed WT protocol provides physiological adaptations that may contribute to cardiovascular health in these patients.

Symptoms of anxiety and depression and their relationship with barriers to physical activity in patients with intermittent claudication

OBJECTIVES

Although the practice of physical exercise in patients with intermittent claudication (IC) is often encouraged, adherence is low. The difficulty in performing physical training may be related to the psychological characteristics of patients with claudication. To verify the association between anxiety and depression symptoms and barriers to physical exercise and walking capacity in patients with IC.

METHODS

One-hundred and thirteen patients with a clinical diagnosis of IC were included in the study. Patients underwent clinical evaluation by a vascular surgeon, answered the Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory tests were applied by the psychologist. The patients performed the 6-minute test and reported their barriers to physical activity practice in a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Patients with signs of depression had a shorter pain-free walking distance (p=0.015) and total walking distance (p=0.035) compared to patients with no signs of depression. Pain-free walking distance (p=0.29) and total walking distance (p=0.07) were similar between patients with and without signs of anxiety. Patients with symptoms of moderate to severe depression reported more barriers to physical activity practice compared to patients without signs of depression.

CONCLUSION

Symptoms of anxiety and depression are prevalent among patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD). Depression symptoms are associated with personal barriers to exercise, while anxiety symptoms are not. The main barriers to physical activity among patients with IC are exercise-induced pain and the presence of other diseases.

Cardiovascular Responses during and after Maximal Walking in Men and Women with Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

Walking is recommended for patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). It has been shown that patients with PAD present sharper increases in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) during maximal walking when compared with healthy subjects. Additionally, women with PAD present a worse physiological profile, and it is possible that they may present higher cardiovascular load during and after a bout of maximal walking than men. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare cardiovascular and autonomic responses during and after maximal walking between men and women with PAD and intermittent claudication (IC).

METHODS

Forty patients with PAD and IC (20 men and 20 women) underwent, in random order, 2 sessions: control (standing on treadmill) and exercise (maximal treadmill walking test with Gardner's protocol). During the exercise, HR and BP were measured. Before and after the sessions, cardiovascular variables (BP HR, cardiac output, peripheral vascular resistance, and stroke volume) and autonomic modulation (HR and BP variabilities and baroreflex sensitivity) were assessed. In addition, an ambulatory BP monitoring was recorded after each session.

RESULTS

Men and women presented similar maximal walking capacity. During the walking test, HR and systolic BP increased similarly in men and women. After the maximal walking, cardiovascular and autonomic responses did not differ between the genders. In addition, postintervention ambulatory BP parameters were also similar in men and women. Therefore, in men and women, maximal walking similarly reduced clinic systolic BP and stroke volume, and increased HR and total power of HR variability during the recovery period.

CONCLUSIONS

Men and women with PAD and IC present similar cardiovascular and autonomic responses during and after maximal walking.

Functional and Cardiovascular Parameters in Peripheral Artery Disease Patients with Interarm Blood Pressure Difference

BACKGROUND

To analyze the impact of interarm blood pressure difference (IAD) on functional and cardiovascular parameters in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD).

METHODS

Ninety-eight patients with PAD were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Patients with differences between the right and left arms of systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥10 mm Hg were classified as IAD, whereas the remaining patients were classified as PAD control subjects. Functional parameters included were the 6-min walk test, short physical performance battery, walking impairment questionnaire (WIQ), and the walking estimated-limitation calculated by history. Systemic cardiovascular parameters included were arterial stiffness and heart rate variability. Local cardiovascular parameters assessed in both arms were brachial blood pressure and flow-mediated dilation.

RESULTS

Patients with IAD presented higher systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure compared with control patients (P < 0.01). The carotid femoral pulse wave velocity tended to be higher and flow-mediated dilation tended to be lower in PAD patients with IAD compared with control subjects (P < 0.09). Patients with IAD presented lower scores in short physical performance battery (P = 0.012), WIQ distance (P = 0.003), WIQ speed (P = 0.008), WIQ stair climbing (P = 0.034), and walking estimated-limitation calculated by history (P = 0.026) when compared with PAD control patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with PAD, IAD is associated with lower physical function and impairments in cardiovascular parameters compared with PAD patients without IAD.

In peripheral artery disease, diabetes is associated with reduced physical activity level and physical function and impaired cardiac autonomic control: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Diabetes has been considered a major risk factor for peripheral artery disease (PAD). The effect of diabetes on daily physical activity level and cardiovascular function in PAD patients is poorly known.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effect of diabetes on physical activity level, physical function and cardiovascular health parameters in patients with PAD and claudication symptoms.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of 267 PAD patients, 146 without and 121 with diabetes. Physical activity levels were objectively measured by using an accelerometer, and time spent in sedentary (0-100 counts/min), light (101-1040 counts/min) and moderate to vigorous (≥1041 counts/min) physical activity was obtained. Physical function assessment included the 6-min walk test, handgrip strength test and short physical performance battery. Cardiovascular health parameters measured were brachial blood pressure, heart rate variability, and arterial stiffness.

RESULTS

Diabetic PAD patients spent more time in sedentary behavior (P=0.001, effect size [ES] 0.234) and less time in light (P=0.003, ES=0.206) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (P<0.001, ES=0.258) than non-diabetic PAD patients. Diabetic PAD patients presented lower 6-min walk distance (P=0.005, ES=0.194) and impaired cardiac autonomic modulation (standard deviation of all NN intervals [SDNN], P<0.001, ES=0.357; square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent NN intervals [RMSSD], P<0.001, ES=0.280; and NN50 count divided by the total number of all NN intervals [pNN50], P<0.001, ES=0.291) as compared with non-diabetic PAD patients. After adjustment for confounders, diabetes remained associated with sedentary behavior (P=0.011), light (P=0.020) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (P=0.008), 6-min walk distance (P=0.030), SDNN (P<0.001), RMSSD (P=0.004), and PNN50 (P=0.004).

CONCLUSION

Diabetic PAD patients presented lower physical activity level, reduced physical function and impaired autonomic modulation as compared with non-diabetic PAD patients.

Effects of Isometric Handgrip Training in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Meta-analyses have shown that isometric handgrip training (IHT) can reduce brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) by >6/4 mm Hg, respectively. However, whether IHT promotes these effects among patients with peripheral artery disease, who exhibit severe impairment in cardiovascular function, is currently unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of IHT on the cardiovascular function of patients with peripheral artery disease. Methods and Results A randomized controlled trial with peripheral artery disease patients assigned to either the IHT or control group was conducted. The IHT group performed 3 sessions per week, for 8 weeks, of unilateral handgrip exercises, consisting of 4 sets of isometric contractions for 2 minutes at 30% of maximum voluntary contraction and a 4-minute interval between sets. The control group received a compression ball in order to minimize the placebo effects, representing sham training. The primary outcome was brachial BP. The secondary outcomes were central BP, arterial stiffness parameters, cardiac autonomic modulation, and vascular function. The IHT program reduced diastolic BP (75 [10] mm Hg preintervention versus 72 [11] mm Hg postintervention), with no change in the control group (74 [11] mm Hg preintervention versus 74 [11] mm Hg postintervention), with this between-group difference being significant (P=0.04). Flow-mediated dilation improved in the IHT group (6.0% [5.7] preintervention versus 9.7% [5.5] postintervention), with no change in the control group (7.6% [5.5] preintervention versus 7.4% [5.1] postintervention), with this between-group difference being significant (P=0.04). There was no change in other measured variables over the intervention period. Conclusions IHT reduced brachial diastolic BP and improved local vascular function in patients with peripheral artery disease. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT02742220.

Peripheral arterial disease: Scoping review of patient-centred outcomes

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) impairs patients' quality of life (QOL), walking and ulcer healing, increasing patient pain, costs, and risks of amputation or mortality. A literature appraisal described PAD treatment capacity to improve validated patient-centred outcomes in controlled clinical studies. The PUBMED database was searched from 1 January 1970 to 21 June 2018, for original and derivative controlled clinical trial references addressing MeSH terms for 'ischemia' AND 'leg ulcer'. Non-ischemic ulcer treatment references were excluded. Frequencies of improved (P < .05) outcomes were reported. Eighty-eight studies on 4153 patients were summarized. Walking, pain or QOL improved mainly for interventions administered before PAD became severe. Amputation incidence, pain and ulcer healing were more frequently reported in those with severe PAD. Independent of PAD severity, patients experienced more likely improved walking, QOL, or pain reduction in response to structured walking interventions or those increasing calf muscle activity. Those with more severe PAD were more likely to report amputation reduction, mainly in response to invasive interventions. Those with PAD experienced more consistently improved patient-centred outcomes if they received multidisciplinary PAD management with supervised walking or calf muscle activity, with more likely amputation risk reduced for those with more severe PAD.

Physical Activity Levels in Peripheral Artery Disease Patients

Background

Increases in daily physical activity levels is recommended for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, despite this recommendation, little is known about the physical activity patterns of PAD patients.

Objective

To describe the physical activity patterns of patients with symptomatic peripheral artery (PAD) disease.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 174 PAD patients with intermittent claudication symptoms. Patients were submitted to clinical, hemodynamic and functional evaluations. Physical activity was objectively measured by an accelerometer, and the time spent in sedentary, low-light, high-light and moderate-vigorous physical activities (MVPA) were obtained. Descriptive analysis was performed to summarize patient data and binary logistic regression was used to test the crude and adjusted associations between adherence to physical activity recommendation and sociodemographic and clinical factors. For all the statistical analyses, significance was accepted at p < 0.05.

Results

Patients spent in average of 640 ± 121 min/day, 269 ± 94 min/day, 36 ± 27 min/day and 15 ± 16 min/day in sedentary, low-light, high-light and MVPA, respectively. The prevalence of patients who achieved physical activity recommendations was 3.4%. After adjustment for confounders, a significant inverse association was observed between adherence to physical activity recommendation and age (OR = 0.925; p = 0.004), while time of disease, ankle brachial index and total walking distance were not associated with this adherence criteria (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The patterns of physical activity of PAD patients are characterized by a large amount of time spent in sedentary behaviors and a low engagement in MVPA. Younger patients, regardless of the clinical and functional factors, were more likely to meet the current physical activity recommendations.

Factors Associated to Arterial Stiffness in Patients With Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to identify the clinical factors associated with arterial stiffness in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 181 patients (67% men; mean aged 66 ± 9 years) were recruited and had their central arterial stiffness assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV). Clinical characteristics are sociodemographic data, body mass index, comorbid conditions, and walking capacity.

RESULTS

Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age (b = 0.182, P = 0.032), body mass index (b = 0.254, P = 0.002), and mean blood pressure (b = 0.249, P = 0.021) were positively associated with cf-PWV.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that the aging, elevated body mass index, and higher blood pressure are clinical factors associated with increased arterial stiffness in patients with peripheral artery disease.

Cardiac Autonomic Modulation Is Associated with Arterial Stiffness in Patients with Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to analyze the association between cardiac autonomic modulation and arterial stiffness in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included one hundred fourteen patients with symptomatic PAD (67.5% men; 65 ± 7 years; body mass index: 26.8 ± 4.5 kg/m²). Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured within time (standard deviation of all RR intervals [beat to beat heart interval] [SDNN], root mean square of the successive differences between adjacent normal RR intervals [RMSSD], and the proportion of successive RR intervals that differed by more than 50 msec [pNN50]) and frequency (low frequency [LF] and high frequency [HF]) domains. Arterial stiffness was assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). Crude and adjusted linear regression analyses examined the relationship between HRV and cfPWV.

RESULTS

Nonsignificant crude associations were identified among cfPWV and RMSSD (P = 0.181), SDNN (P = 0.105), pNN50 (P = 0.087), LF (P = 0.376), HF (P = 0.175), and LF/HF ratio (P = 0.426). After adjustments for age, sex, smoking, body mass index, ankle-brachial index, and use of beta-blockers, significant associations were identified among cfPWV and RMSSD (P = 0.037), SDNN (P = 0.049), and pNN50 (P = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac autonomic modulation was significantly associated with arterial stiffness in patients with PAD after adjustment for confounding factors. This relationship may contribute to the enhanced cardiovascular disease risk for PAD patients and provides a target for strategies to improve patient clinical outcomes.

The Impact of Supervised Exercise Training on Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients With Intermittent Claudication: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with intermittent claudication (IC) are at increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Whereas extensive evidence supports the beneficial effects of supervised exercise training (SET) on walking capacity, little is known about the effect of SET on the CV risk profile of IC patients. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the effects of SET on CV risk factors in IC patients by using meta-analysis techniques.

METHODS

A systematic search in the electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and CENTRAL was conducted from the earliest date available until October 2, 2018. Randomised and non-randomised controlled trials lasting ≥ four weeks and investigating the effect of SET on CV risk factors in IC patients were included. Traditional CV risk factors were studied as primary outcomes; pain free walking distance (PFWD) and maximum walking distance (MWD) were included as secondary outcomes. Data were pooled using random effects models with summary data reported as weighted means and 95% confidence interval (CIs).

RESULTS

Fifteen trials were included, involving 18 study groups (nine walking, four resistance, two aerobic training, and three combined groups), totalling 725 patients (mean age 66.3 years; mean ankle brachial index, 0.64). Exercise reduced systolic blood pressure (-5.8 mmHg; CI -9.89 to 1.67, p < .01) whereas all other CV risk factors (i.e., body weight, body mass index, diastolic blood pressure, and blood lipids) remained statistically unaltered. Exercise also improved PFWD (+132 m; CI 70-194, p < .001) and MWD (+183 m; CI 98-268, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis supports the beneficial effects of SET on walking capacity. Little evidence for an improvement of the CV risk profile was found following exercise in patients with IC. However, given the scarcity of data, high quality RCTs that include an assessment of CV risk factors are urgently required to determine the effect of exercise therapy in the secondary prevention of CV disease of IC patients.

Moderate-pain versus pain-free exercise, walking capacity, and cardiovascular health in patients with peripheral artery disease

OBJECTIVE

Supervised exercise training (walking) is recommended in patients with intermittent claudication, both as a means to improve symptoms (walking distance and quality of life [QoL]) and as a means to improve general cardiovascular health (including vascular function and heart rate variability [HRV]). Our aim was to compare two types of supervised training (moderate-pain and pain-free walking) with comparable intensity based on heart rate, in terms of walking capacity, QoL, vascular function, biomarkers, and HRV in patients with intermittent claudication.

METHODS

Thirty-six adults with intermittent claudication were randomized to either moderate-pain or pain-free exercise training (36 sessions, two or three times a week) or usual care (no supervised exercise). Initial walking distance and absolute walking distance using treadmill testing, flow-mediated vasodilation and pulse wave velocity using ultrasound, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and fibrinogen levels, HRV, and QoL (36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire) were determined at baseline and after the intervention period.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (mean age, 64 ± 9 years; 72% male) completed the study. Both training programs similarly improved walking capacity. Initial walking distance and absolute walking distance significantly increased with either moderate-pain walking (median, 50 m to 107 m [P = .005] and 85 m to 194 m [P = .005], respectively) or pain-free walking (median, 53 m to 128 m [P = .003] and 92 m to 163 m [P = .003], respectively). QoL also similarly improved with both training modalities, whereas only moderate-pain walking was also associated with a statistically significant improvement in the vascular parameters flow-mediated vasodilation (4.4% to 8.0%; P = .002) and pulse wave velocity (6.6 m/s to 6.1 m/s; P = .013). Neither training program was associated with changes in biomarker levels and HRV.

CONCLUSIONS

Both moderate-pain and pain-free training modalities were safe and similarly improved walking capacity and health-related QoL. Conversely, vascular function improvements were associated with only moderate-pain walking.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of supervised exercise therapy on modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in intermittent claudication

OBJECTIVE

Cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, contribute significantly to the prognosis of patients with peripheral artery disease. Therefore cardiovascular risk reduction is a vital element of treatment in patients with intermittent claudication (IC). The cardiovascular risk is largely determined by modifiable risk factors, which can be treated with medical care and lifestyle adjustments, such as increasing physical activity. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of supervised exercise therapy (SET) on modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in IC patients.

METHODS

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies on the effects of SET on cardiovascular risk factors in symptomatic IC patients. Studies were eligible if they presented baseline and follow-up values for at least one of the following risk factors: blood pressure (systolic or diastolic), heart rate, lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), glucose, glycated hemoglobin, body weight, body mass index, or cigarette smoking. Pooled mean differences between follow-up and baseline were analyzed using a random-effects model. Data were classified into short-term results (6 weeks-3 months) and midterm results (6-12 months). Statistical heterogeneity was presented as I² and Q statistic.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies with a total of 808 patients were included in this review. In the short term, SET resulted in significant improvements of systolic blood pressure (decrease of 4 mm Hg; 10 studies; 95% confidence interval [CI], -6.40 to -1.76; I², 0%) and diastolic blood pressure (decrease of 2 mm Hg; 8 studies; 95% CI, -3.64 to -0.22; I², 35%). In the midterm, SET contributed to significant lowering of levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (decrease of 0.2 mmol/L; four studies; 95% CI, -0.30 to -0.12; I², 29%) and total cholesterol (decrease of 0.2 mmol/L, four studies; 95% CI, -0.38 to -0.10; I², 36%). No significant effects of SET were identified for heart rate, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, body weight, body mass index, or cigarette smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis shows favorable effects of SET on modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, specifically blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Despite the moderate quality, small trial sample sizes, and study heterogeneity, these findings support the prescription of SET programs not only to increase walking distances but also for risk factor modification. Future studies should address the potential effectiveness of SET to promote a healthier lifestyle and to improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with claudication.

Medical Management of Functional Impairment in Peripheral Artery Disease: A Review

Lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) now affects 200 million people worldwide and is a major cause of disability. Cilostazol is the only Federal Drug Administration approved medication for PAD-related ischemic symptoms that is recommended by clinical practice guidelines. Supervised treadmill exercise significantly improves treadmill walking performance in PAD. Recent evidence shows that home-based exercise interventions that include occasional medical center visits and incorporate behavioral change techniques also significantly improve walking endurance in PAD. Upper and lower extremity ergometry (cycling) also improve walking ability in PAD. A recent decision by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services to cover supervised exercise for people with symptomatic PAD will increase access to exercise for the large number of people disabled by PAD.