Article

Supervised exercise programs increase physical performance in
patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, there are a limited
number of programs, and to date they have failed to provide evidence of long-term
adherence to exercise or any meaningful effect on Quality of Life (QoL). We
created a program of therapeutic education and a personalized program of
reconditioning exercise for patients with PAD. METHODS: Patients with an
ankle-brachial index (ABI) below 0.9 in at least one limb, and an absolute
claudication distance (ACD) </=500 meters, were included in the study. Quality of
Life (QoL) as measured by SF-36, cardiovascular risk factors and functional
parameters were evaluated at 0, 3, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: Forty-six patients
completed the program. Cardiovascular risks were controlled and stabilized over
time. SF-36 scores improved significantly and remained stable. Initial and
absolute claudication distance (ICD and ACD) as well as other functional
parameters improved significantly (6 months: +138 m or +203% ICD and +139 m or
+84% ACD). Ten patients (22%) did not show improvement in ICD or ACD within the
first 3 months, but their SF-36 score did increase at subsequent visits.
Interestingly, these patients had a significantly lower ACD at baseline.
CONCLUSIONS: This study measured beneficial effects of an educational therapeutic
program for patients with PAD. The results demonstrate a significant improvement
in functional and QoL parameters during the first 3 months of coaching, and
long-term persistence of the results even when patients were no longer coached.
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Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI