[From the Cochrane Library: increased walking distance through supervised exercise therapy in patients with intermittent claudication].
Intermittent claudication is the most important symptom of peripheral arterial disease. Walking is the main treatment for intermittent claudication and is usually prescribed as a single recommendation to 'go home and walk'. A recent Cochrane systematic review of 7 randomised trials and 1 controlled trial compared a supervised walking regimen with non-supervised exercise therapy. Supervised exercise therapy showed statistically significant benefits compared with non-supervised exercise therapy. Further research is needed to determine the clinical relevance of this difference, with a focus on quality of life. Long-term results with supervised exercise therapy should be studied in future trials.
Kruidenier
L M
LM
Atrium Medisch Centrum, afd. Heelkunde, Postbus 4446, 6401 CX Heerlen.
Bendermacher
B L W
BL
Willigendael
E M
EM
Teijink
J A W
JA
Prins
M H
MH
D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*