Article type
Year
Abstract
Objective: To determine the efficacy of physical exercises in patients with intermittent claudication on walking distance.
Methods: Systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Literature databases were accessed with relevant keywords. The references of identified documents were screened for additional studies. A checklist was developed to screen the studies with respect to the variables of interest. A methodological assessment form was used to assess the methodological quality of the trials. Grading of studies took place as suggested by Chalmers (0-100) points.
Results: Seventy-two studies were identified. Twenty-one studies were considered relevant for preliminary analysis. Following the analysis 11 studies were for various reasons eliminated, leaving 10 studies for the systematic review. The score for methodological quality of the studies ranged from 47-75% (x 62.5; sd 8.5). Percentage improvement in walking distance/time ranged from 28-210% (x 105, sd 55.8).
Discussion: All studies concluded: physical training/gait training improves walking distance/time in patients with intermittent claudication. Further research is needed to determine the optimal exercise program, to assess the influence of patients compliance and reduction of risk factors, and to determine the duration of the effects following a formal exercise program.
Methods: Systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Literature databases were accessed with relevant keywords. The references of identified documents were screened for additional studies. A checklist was developed to screen the studies with respect to the variables of interest. A methodological assessment form was used to assess the methodological quality of the trials. Grading of studies took place as suggested by Chalmers (0-100) points.
Results: Seventy-two studies were identified. Twenty-one studies were considered relevant for preliminary analysis. Following the analysis 11 studies were for various reasons eliminated, leaving 10 studies for the systematic review. The score for methodological quality of the studies ranged from 47-75% (x 62.5; sd 8.5). Percentage improvement in walking distance/time ranged from 28-210% (x 105, sd 55.8).
Discussion: All studies concluded: physical training/gait training improves walking distance/time in patients with intermittent claudication. Further research is needed to determine the optimal exercise program, to assess the influence of patients compliance and reduction of risk factors, and to determine the duration of the effects following a formal exercise program.