Abstract 12807: Effects of Ischemic Pain Inducing Walking Exercise vs. Pain Free Walking Exercise on Walking Velocity and Functional Performance in Peripheral Artery Disease. Results From the Lite Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Introduction: The LITE randomized trial recently demonstrated that home-based pain free walking exercise did not improve 6-minute walk distance, compared to home-based ischemic pain inducing walking exercise, and compared to an attention control group, among people with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD). This study examined effects of home-based pain free walking exercise and home-based ischemic pain inducing walking exercise on walking velocity, and the short physical performance battery (SPPB). Methods: 305 participants with PAD were randomized to home-based pain free walking exercise, home-based ischemic pain inducing walking exercise, or an attention control group in a multi-centered randomized trial, over 12 months. Participants in the pain free walking exercise group walked at a pace that did not cause ischemic leg symptoms. Participants in the ischemic pain inducing walking exercise group walked at a pace that caused ischemic leg symptoms. The attention control group received health education talks. Usual-paced 4-meter walking velocity (4MWV), fast-paced 4MWV, and SPPB (total score range: 0-12; 12=best) were measured at baseline and 12-month follow-up. Results: Of the 305 PAD participants randomized, 246 (mean age: 69 ± 9 years; 48% women; 60% black) with baseline or 12-month data on either usual-paced 4MWV, fast-paced 4MWV, or SPPB were included. The effects of the exercise interventions on each functional measure are shown in the table. Conclusion: These data suggest that ischemic pain inducing walking exercise improves walking speed and functional performance, while walking exercise at a comfortable pace may worsen walking velocity in PAD.