Use the Back button in your browser to see the other results of your search or to select another record.

Detailed Search Results

Improving maximum walking distance in early peripheral arterial disease: randomised controlled trial
Fowler B, Jamrozik K, Norman P, Allen Y, Wilkinson E
Australian Journal of Physiotherapy 2002;48(4):269-275
clinical trial
7/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: Yes; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: Yes; Adequate follow-up: No; Intention-to-treat analysis: Yes; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of increased physical activity and cessation of smoking on the natural history of early peripheral arterial disease. We conducted a randomised controlled trial in Perth, Western Australia, involving 882 men with early peripheral arterial disease identified via population-based screening using the Edinburgh Claudication Questionnaire and the ankle:brachial index. Members of the control group (n = 441) received "usual care" from their general practitioner while members of the intervention group (n = 441) were allocated to a "stop smoking and keep walking" regime -- a combined community-based intervention of cessation of smoking (where applicable) and increased physical activity. Postal follow-up occurred at two and 12 months post-entry into the trial. The main outcome of interest was maximum walking distance. There were no statistically significant differences in the characteristics of the intervention" and usual care" groups at recruitment. Follow-up information at two and 12 months was available for 85% and 84% of participants, respectively. At 12 months more men allocated to the intervention group had improved their maximum walking distance (23% versus 15%; Chi2 = 9.74, df = 2, p = 0.008). In addition, more men in the intervention roup reported walking more than three times per week for recreation (34% versus 25%, p = 0.01). Although not statistically significant, more men in the intervention group who were smokers when enrolled in the trial had stopped smoking (12% versus 8%, p = 0.43). It is concluded that referral of older patients with intermittent claudication to established physiotherapy programs in the community can increase levels of physical activity and reduce disability related to peripheral arterial disease. A combination of simple and safe interventions that are readily available in the community through physiotherapists and general practitioners has the potential to improve early peripheral arterial disease.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help