Shear Stress in the Arteries of the Lower Limbs During Exercise in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease

Shear Stress in the Arteries of the Lower Limbs During Arm Cranking Exercise in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease

The aim of the study will be to evaluate shear stress and blood flow parameters in lower limb arteries during arm cycle ergometer exercise in participants with peripheral artery disease. Twenty patients participants with peripheral artery disease and claudication symptoms will be recruited. Participants will perform 3 experimental sessions in random order. Iarm-cranking (15 sets of two minutes exercise), warm water foot immersion, and control. During the interventions, blood pressure and heart rate will be assessed every 6 minutes. Measurements of arterial diameter, blood flow, anterograde and retrograde shear stress of the femoral artery will be evaluated using a two-dimensional ultrasound device with spectral Doppler.

Inclusion Criteria:

• clinical diagnosis of peripheral artery disease or ankle-brachial index less than 0.90 in one or both limbs
• do not present peripheral neuropathy;
• be able to exercise after medical approval
• aged 50 or over.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Medication change during the study
• Health problems that contraindicates the practice of physical exercise.