Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Usama Talib, BSc, MD [2]
2016 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Patients With Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease[1]
Recommendations for Structured Exercise Therapy in Patients with PAD
Class I
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"1. In patients with claudication, a supervised exercise program is recommended to improve functional status and QoL and to reduce leg symptoms.(Level of Evidence: A)"
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"2. A supervised exercise program should be discussed as a treatment option for claudication before possible revascularization.(Level of Evidence: B-R)"
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Class IIa
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"1.In patients with PAD, a structured community- or home-based exercise program with behavioral change techniques can be beneficial to improve walking ability and functional status.(Level of Evidence: A)"
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"2.In patients with claudication, alternative strategies of exercise therapy, including upper-body ergometry, cycling, and pain-free or low-intensity walking that avoids moderate-to-maximum claudication while walking, can be beneficial to improve walking ability and functional status.(Level of Evidence: A)"
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Supervised vs Structured Exercise Programs for PAD*
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Supervised exercise program
- Program takes place in a hospital or outpatient facility.
- Program uses intermittent walking exercise as the treatment modality.
- Program can be standalone or within a cardiac rehabilitation program.
- Program is directly supervised by qualified healthcare provider(s).
- Training is performed for a minimum of 30–45 min/session; sessions are performed at least 3 times/wk for a minimum of 12 wk (36-46).
- Training involves intermittent bouts of walking to moderate-to-maximum claudication, alternating with periods of rest.
- Warm-up and cool-down periods precede and follow each session of walking.
- Program takes place in the personal setting of the patient rather than in a clinical setting.
- Program is self-directed with guidance of healthcare providers.
- Healthcare providers prescribe an exercise regimen similar to that of a supervised program.
- Patient counseling ensures understanding of how to begin and maintain the program and how to progress the difficulty of the walking (by increasing distance or speed).
- Program may incorporate behavioral change techniques, such as health coaching or use of activity monitors.
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*Adapted from 2016 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Patients With Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease
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References