Testing Far Red Light Therapy with Home-Based Walking Exercise to Improve Walking in People Aged 50 and Older with Peripheral Artery Disease

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to gather early data to determine if daily treatment with 660 nm far red light on the legs before home-based walking exercise improves walking distance over four months for people with lower extremity peripheral artery disease PAD. The trial also examines immediate effects of the first light treatment on walking distance and intensity, and explores biological changes related to exercise benefits in PAD. This Phase II study is conducted at two centers with 32 participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group receives the 660 nm far red light treatment plus home-based walking exercise, while the other receives a sham light device plus the same walking exercise. Both groups use their assigned light devices on each leg twice daily for 10 minutes at home, guided by study staff who set up device positioning and timing. The walking exercise lasts 16 weeks with initial in-person coaching and then weekly phone follow-up. During the study, participants walking ability will be measured by the six-minute walk test at baseline and after 4 months, including immediate effects after the first light treatment. Exercise intensity is tracked using a wrist-worn accelerometer. Researchers will also assess leg blood flow, muscle health, and related biomarkers from blood samples. Safety and adherence to treatments are monitored throughout, with participant involvement lasting the full 4-month intervention period.

ENhancing Exercise With LIGHT to Improve Functioning in PAD