Exercise and Intermittent Claudication

Abstract

Five men with arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) underwent a 3 to 8-month physical training program. The systolic pressure at the ankle (AP) before and after exercise, maximal walking time (MWT), and time of onset of claudication pain (CPT) were recorded on 4 different days. After training, these measurements were repeated on 3 different days. In addition, each subject was retested at his initial MWT. There were significant increases in resting AP levels of three subjects, in CPT and MWT of all five subjects and in the postexercise AP levels of all five subjects. Pain diminished or disappeared for varying periods of time while four of the subjects were walking. These data signify that there was a significant increase in collateral circulation at rest, during or after exercise, or both, improving the blood supply to the obstructed leg.