Randomized Clinical Trial on the Effects of Home-based Five Plus Exercise Training for Intermittent Claudication

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether a home-based exercise program called "five plus training" improves walking ability better than the current recommendation of walking for at least 30 minutes three times per week in patients with intermittent claudication. This condition causes pain in the calves due to poor blood flow during walking, and the study aims to determine which exercise method enhances walking distance and quality of life. The trial is sponsored by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and includes randomized, double-blind assignment to exercise groups. Participants are randomly assigned to either the "five plus training" group or a walking group. The "five plus training" involves standing in front of a wall for balance support and repeatedly lifting the body onto tiptoes with the calf muscles until pain starts, then performing five additional calf raises to promote muscle blood flow. The walking group is instructed to walk for at least 30 minutes three times weekly. This training continues over a 12-week period to compare effects. During the study, participants' walking distance is measured using a treadmill test, and their quality of life is assessed through questionnaires. The ankle-brachial index, a test comparing blood pressure at the ankle and arm, is also monitored. These assessments help evaluate changes in walking capability and symptoms. The study follows participants for 12 weeks, with ongoing monitoring to assess the safety and impact of the exercise programs.

Exercise Training Study of Patients With Claudicatio Intermittens