BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to assess changes in walking abilities measured on a treadmill and in a community outdoor setting after 12-week supervised treadmill training in patients with claudication due to peripheral arterial disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 36 patients aged 69.94 +/- 6.9, randomised into training (n = 21) and control (n = 15) groups. Changes in pain-free walking distance (PFWDTT), maximal walking distance (MWDTT) during the graded treadmill test and the maximal walking distance (MWDGPS), total walking distance (TWDGPS), average walking distance (AWDGPS), walking speed (WSGPS), number of stops (NSGPS) and stop durations (SDGPS) obtained the during community setting outdoor walking were assessed before and after the programme. RESULTS: Significant results were observed only in the training group. PFWDTT and MWDTT were prolonged by 92% and 97%, respectively (p < 0.05). AWDGPS and SDGPS increased significantly, which was accompanied by a reduction in NSGPS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The 12-week, supervised treadmill training improves walking abilities measured on a treadmill, and partially in a community setting outdoor among patients with claudication.

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