Supervised exercise training for intermittent claudication: Lasting benefit at three years

Objectives. To assess the long-term outcome Of supervised exercise training for intermittent claudication. Methods. A prospective study was undertaken of all patients referred to a single centre with intermittent claudication (> 46 m). Patients underwent supervised exercise training twice weekly for 10 weeks, with regular follow-tip to 3 years. Actual Claudication Distance (ACD), Maximum Walking Distance (MWD) and ankle-brachial pressure indices (ABPI) were measured. Results. In 202 patients the initial median ACD and MWD were 112 m and 197 in. Following exercise therapy both the median ACD and MWD increased to 266 in and 477 in at three months, increases of 237% and 242% respectively (p < 0.001). At three years the median ACD and MWD were 250 m and 372 in, increases of 223% and 188% respectively (p < 0.001). There was no significant change in ACD or MWD at 3 months compared to 1, 2 or 3 years. ABPI remained unchanged throughout. Conclusions. Supervised exercise training has long term benefit in patients with intermittent claudication. Results seen at 12 weeks are sustained at three years. (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of European Society for Vascular Surgery.