Most patients with intermittent claudication, a clinical aspect of peripheral arterial disease, have important limitations on physical activity and reduced quality of life. The purpose of this study was to review literature on exercise intervention for patients with peripheral occlusive arterial disease and intermittent claudication. BIREME, PubMed (Medline), SciELO and LILACS databases were searched for the terms intermittent claudication, peripheral vascular diseases, rehabilitation, exercise, and exercise therapy, all of which were taken from the list of Health Science Descriptors (BIREME). The conclusion was that, despite the variability of walking regimens identified in the literature, aerobic training is of general benefit to patients with peripheral arterial disease and intermittent claudication, mainly improving their walking performance, which can have significant impact on the quality of life of these patients.

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