PHYSICAL-TRAINING OF PATIENTS WITH INTERMITTENT CLAUDICATION - INDICATIONS, METHODS, AND RESULTS

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 84  (5) , 640-643
Abstract
Supervised dynamic physical training for 4-6 mo. as a treatment of intermittent claudication was studied in 148 patients who had clearcut symptoms for more than 6 mo. Patients (19) could not complete the planned training program because of cardiac complications, rapid progress of the disease, intercurrent disease, or social reasons. Before the training was started, walking tolerance and calf blood flow were determined. The intensity of each training session (3 times/wk) was adjusted to the patient''s cardiac tolerance as predicted by the cardiac tolerance test. The walking ability increased in 88% of the patients and the average increase was 234%, while the calf blood flow remained unchanged. After the training period, more than 40% of the patients could walk 1000 m or more. The increase in walking ability was independent of the location of the atherosclerotic lesion or the presence of diabetes. Physical training is a good alternative to reconstructive surgery in the treatment of patients with intermittent claudication. It does not interfere with the surgical possibility of operation becomes necessary in the immediate or later course of the disease.

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