Effect of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression of Foot and Calf on Walking Distance, Hemodynamics, and Quality of Life in Patients with Arterial Claudication. A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study With 1-Year Follow-up

Abstract

The authors evaluated the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression on the walking ability, peripheral hemodynamics and quality of life in patients with claudication. Forty-one patients with claudication were randomized to intermittent compression and aspirin or aspirin alone. Inflation for 4 seconds at 3 impulses per minute, calf inflate delay 2 second was used for 5 months for at least 2.5 hours daily. The claudication patients who had intermittent pneumatic compression had improved initial and absolute claudication distance on treadmill testing and improved ankle-brachial index measurements compared with those who did not. The authors concluded that intermittent pneumatic compression was effective method for improving walking ability and pressure indices.