Acute Effects of Exercise in Peripheral Arterial Disease Patients

Acute Effects of Different Physical Exercise Conditions in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects over 200 million people worldwide and is caused by narrowing of the arteries. Intermittent claudication, characterized by pain when walking, is its main symptom. Despite the proven benefits of exercise, there is no optimal protocol for treatment. To analyze the effects of different exercise conditions on proteomic and physiological markers in patients with PAD and to determine their preferences regarding exercise conditions. A clinical cross-over study with four randomized experimental conditions (aerobic training, traditional strength training, circuit training and control) will be conducted. Patients with grade IIa-IIb PAD according to the Leriche-Le Fontaine scale will be recruited from the Department of Angiology and Vascular Surgery Department of the Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid. In each experimental session, measurements of cardiorespiratory capacity, post-exercise oxygen debt, ankle-brachial index, blood flow, peripheral oxygen saturation, perceived exertion, heart rate variability and blood proteome changes will be performed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Patients diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease at grade IIa or IIb according to the Leriche-Fontaine classification.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with dementia or cognitive impairment.
• Patients with recent major surgery (≤12 months) or lower limb amputations.
• Patients institutionalized in healthcare facilities.
• Patients dependent on a wheelchair.
• Patients with any other condition contraindicating participation in an exercise program.