A randomised controlled trial evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of a 12 week lower body blood flow restricted resistance exercise programme for people with peripheral arterial disease.

The primary aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of 12 weeks of lower body resistance exercise performed with blood flow restriction (BFR) in people with peripheral arterial disease.

Resistance exercise with BFR involves placing inflatable cuffs proximal to the exercise limbs in order to manipulate blood flow and enhance the training response.

Secondary aim of this study is to evaluate changes in ABPI, muscle size, strength and physical function at mid-and post- intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and women with PAD 6 months post diagnosis.
• Ankle-brachial pressure index <0.9.
• People physically able to perform leg press and leg extension resistance exercise.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Ankle-brachial pressure index >0.89.
• People unable to visit the laboratory twice weekly for exercise sessions.
• People unable to do leg press and leg extension exercise.
• People whose walking is limited by a non-PAD condition.
• People with PAD with critical limb ischemia (including symptoms of pain at rest and skin ulcers).
• People with Dementia.
• People who have had major surgery or myocardial infarction within the past 6 months.
• Previous stroke.
• Previous thrombosis.
• People who have major surgery scheduled during the intervention period.