Diet and Exercise for Peripheral Artery Disease

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen by Andrew Gardner, Ph.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma

Must not be taking: Cilostazol, Pentoxifylline

Disqualifiers: Active cancer, End stage renal, others

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests if a healthy diet combined with home walking exercises can help people with poor leg blood flow walk better and feel better overall. The diet aims to make blood vessels healthier, while the exercise improves blood flow and leg strength.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you started taking cilostazol or pentoxifylline for intermittent claudication within the last three months.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment DASH Diet plus Home-Based Exercise for Peripheral Artery Disease?

Research shows that combining the DASH Diet with resistance training can improve body composition and strength in older adults, which may help with physical function. Additionally, home-based exercise programs have been effective in cardiac rehabilitation, suggesting they can be a convenient and beneficial option for improving health outcomes. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is home-based exercise safe for people with peripheral artery disease?

Home-based exercise programs for people with peripheral artery disease appear to be safe, with a very low rate of related adverse events. In a review of studies involving 1642 participants, only four adverse events were reported over 147,810 patient-hours of exercise, suggesting that these programs are generally well-tolerated. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How is the DASH Diet plus Home-Based Exercise treatment for peripheral artery disease different from other treatments?

The DASH Diet plus Home-Based Exercise treatment is unique because it combines dietary changes with a home-based exercise program, which is not commonly emphasized in traditional treatments for peripheral artery disease. This approach focuses on improving walking ability and overall health without requiring frequent visits to medical centers, making it more accessible and convenient for patients. ^{7 8 9 11 12}

Research Team

Andrew Gardner, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Professor, Department of Medicine, Cardiology

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), specifically those who have leg pain during walking, and have either abnormal ankle-brachial index (ABI) readings or a history of procedures to improve blood flow. It's not for people without PAD, those with severe PAD symptoms like rest pain or tissue loss, recent revascularization, active cancer, certain chronic conditions, cognitive dysfunction, or on recent claudication medication.

Inclusion Criteria

I have peripheral artery disease (PAD) confirmed by a test or past treatment.

I have poor circulation in my legs, confirmed by a test or previous surgery.

I have experienced leg pain from walking.

Exclusion Criteria

I started taking medication for leg pain when walking in the last 3 months.

You have medical conditions that make it unsafe for you to exercise, as determined by the American College of Sports Medicine.

I have severe tissue loss due to poor blood flow in my legs.

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants follow a combined DASH dietary program and home-based exercise program, or a home-based exercise program alone, for 3 months

12 weeks

Weekly self-reported monitoring

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in exercise and vascular outcomes after the intervention

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• DASH Diet plus Home-Based Exercise (Behavioral Intervention)
• Home-Based Exercise (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The study tests if a specific diet called the DASH Diet combined with home-based exercise improves physical function in PAD patients. Participants are randomly assigned to follow this regimen or just the exercise program for three months while their steps and vascular health are monitored.

Participant Groups

Group I: DASH Diet plus Home-Based Exercise Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The DASH dietary program consists of a diet emphasizing foods rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy, in which patients record daily servings of fruits and vegetables. The home-based exercise program consists of intermittent walking to moderate claudication pain 3 times per week for 3 months in a home-based setting.

Group II: Home-Based Exercise Active Control 1 Intervention

The home-based exercise program consists of intermittent walking to moderate claudication pain 3 times per week for 3 months in a home-based setting.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Oklahoma

Lead Sponsor

Trials

484

Recruited

95,900+

Dr. Scott Rollins

University of Oklahoma

Chief Executive Officer since 2016

PhD in Immunology from the University of Oklahoma

Dr. Ondria Gleason

University of Oklahoma

Chief Medical Officer

MD from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Collaborator

Trials

515

Recruited

2,873,000+

Dr. Robert Harbaugh

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Chief Medical Officer since 2024

MD from Penn State College of Medicine

Don McKenna

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Chief Executive Officer since 2024

Master’s in Public Administration and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from Long Island University

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials

1,841

Recruited

28,150,000+

Dr. Richard J. Hodes

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Chief Executive Officer since 1993

MD from Harvard Medical School

Dr. Marie Bernard

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Chief Medical Officer

MD from Harvard Medical School

Case Western Reserve University

Collaborator

Trials

314

Recruited

236,000+

Eric W. Kaler

Case Western Reserve University

Chief Executive Officer since 2021

PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota

Stanton L. Gerson

Case Western Reserve University

Chief Medical Officer since 2020

MD from Harvard Medical School

Findings from Research

In a study of 27 overweight and obese older adults, adding resistance training (RT) to dietary education (DE) significantly improved coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors, including lower apoB concentrations and better DASH Diet Index scores compared to DE alone.

The DERT group showed notable improvements in body composition and blood pressure, indicating that combining RT with dietary education is more effective for enhancing health outcomes in older adults at risk for CHD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of the addition of resistance training to a dietary education intervention on apolipoproteins and diet quality in overweight and obese older adults. Valente, EA., Sheehy, ME., Avila, JJ., et al.[2021]

Home-based cardiac rehabilitation, using a nurse-facilitated self-help package over 6 weeks, was found to be slightly less expensive than traditional hospital-based rehabilitation, primarily due to lower personnel costs.

Both home-based and hospital-based rehabilitation showed similar overall healthcare costs and quality of life outcomes over 9 months, indicating that home-based programs can be a cost-effective alternative without compromising patient health benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Home-based cardiac rehabilitation versus hospital-based rehabilitation: a cost effectiveness analysis. Taylor, RS., Watt, A., Dalal, HM., et al.[2022]

In a study of 27 overweight older adults, those who combined a weight loss diet (DASH) with moderate intensity resistance training (DASH-RT) experienced significantly greater reductions in body fat and increases in lean muscle mass compared to those on the diet alone.

While both groups lost weight and improved their walking times, the DASH-RT group showed enhanced strength and better thigh composition, suggesting that resistance training can provide additional benefits beyond just weight loss.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of moderate intensity resistance training during weight loss on body composition and physical performance in overweight older adults. Avila, JJ., Gutierres, JA., Sheehy, ME., et al.[2022]

The SPRINT exercise program was implemented with 19 out of 50 older patients in a Geriatric Assessment Unit, showing that it is feasible to integrate such a program into hospital settings.

Most patients engaged in an average of one exercise session per day, primarily with healthcare professionals, indicating a positive initial adherence to the program, though caregiver involvement was minimal.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of Implementing an Exercise Program in a Geriatric Assessment Unit: the SPRINT Program. Juneau, A., Bolduc, A., Nguyen, P., et al.[2022]

A home-based cardiac rehabilitation program enhances access and enrollment for patients, making it easier for them to participate in their recovery.

This program utilizes an evidence-based alternative model of care, which suggests it is grounded in proven methods for improving heart health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Design and Implementation of a Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Rohrbach, G., Schopfer, DW., Krishnamurthi, N., et al.[2020]

Home-based exercise programs (HBEPs) for individuals with intermittent claudication (IC) are safe, with only four adverse events reported over 147,810 patient-hours, resulting in a complication rate of one event per 36,953 patient-hours.

Most adverse events were cardiac-related and occurred during high levels of claudication pain, suggesting that while HBEPs are generally safe, monitoring and possibly cardiac screening may be beneficial for those engaging in more intense exercise.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety of home-based exercise for people with intermittent claudication: A systematic review. Waddell, A., Seed, S., Broom, DR., et al.[2022]

A randomized controlled trial involving 194 patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) showed that a home-based walking exercise program significantly improved walking endurance, with participants increasing their 6-minute walk distance by an average of 53.5 meters compared to a control group.

The intervention also led to improvements in treadmill walking time, overall physical activity, and patient-reported walking ability, suggesting that this program can be an effective alternative for patients with PAD who cannot attend supervised exercise sessions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Home-based walking exercise intervention in peripheral artery disease: a randomized clinical trial. McDermott, MM., Liu, K., Guralnik, JM., et al.[2022]

Exercise therapy significantly improves ambulatory outcomes and reduces leg symptoms in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), enhancing their functional independence and quality of life.

The review emphasizes the importance of detailed exercise prescriptions in future trials to better quantify the total exercise dose, which could lead to more effective treatment strategies for PAD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise rehabilitation for peripheral artery disease: An exercise physiology perspective with special emphasis on the emerging trend of home-based exercise. Gardner, AW.[2022]

A home-based walking exercise intervention led by physical therapists significantly improved the 6-minute walking distance in adults with peripheral artery disease (PAD) after 3 months, with an average increase of 16.7 meters compared to usual care.

Despite 13 serious adverse events reported in the intervention group, all were deemed unrelated to the study, indicating that the intervention was safe for participants.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of a Home-Based, Walking Exercise Behavior Change Intervention vs Usual Care on Walking in Adults With Peripheral Artery Disease: The MOSAIC Randomized Clinical Trial. Bearne, LM., Volkmer, B., Peacock, J., et al.[2022]

In a study of 20 patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) participating in a 12-week community-based structured exercise training program, non-exercise walking (NEW) activity was found to have a moderate positive correlation with improvements in peak walking time (PWT), suggesting that everyday walking can enhance exercise performance.

The results indicate that increasing walking activity outside of formal exercise sessions may be beneficial for PAD patients, highlighting the importance of overall physical activity in managing their condition.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Relation of non-exercise walking activity with exercise performance in patients with peripheral artery disease: NEW activity for PAD. Mays, RJ., Kahnke, R., Schorr, EN., et al.[2023]

A home-based exercise intervention using a wearable activity monitor and telephone coaching did not significantly improve walking performance in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) over 9 months compared to usual care.

The intervention group experienced a worsening in pain interference scores, indicating that the home-based approach may not be beneficial and could potentially lead to increased discomfort for patients with PAD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of a Home-Based Exercise Intervention of Wearable Technology and Telephone Coaching on Walking Performance in Peripheral Artery Disease: The HONOR Randomized Clinical Trial. McDermott, MM., Spring, B., Berger, JS., et al.[2018]

The Ti-To program, which involved structured home-based walking sessions and monthly check-ups, significantly improved perceived claudication and functional parameters in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) compared to the traditional free walking exercise program.

Patients in the Ti-To group experienced better hemodynamic improvements, including lower resting heart rates and better ankle-brachial index scores, indicating enhanced cardiovascular health alongside improved walking ability.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Training rather than walking: the test in -train out program for home-based rehabilitation in peripheral arteriopathy. Manfredini, F., Malagoni, AM., Mascoli, F., et al.[2019]

References

1. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of the addition of resistance training to a dietary education intervention on apolipoproteins and diet quality in overweight and obese older adults. [2021]

2. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Home-based cardiac rehabilitation versus hospital-based rehabilitation: a cost effectiveness analysis. [2022]

3. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of moderate intensity resistance training during weight loss on body composition and physical performance in overweight older adults. [2022]

4. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of Implementing an Exercise Program in a Geriatric Assessment Unit: the SPRINT Program. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Design and Implementation of a Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. [2020]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety of home-based exercise for people with intermittent claudication: A systematic review. [2022]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Home-based walking exercise intervention in peripheral artery disease: a randomized clinical trial. [2022]

8. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise rehabilitation for peripheral artery disease: An exercise physiology perspective with special emphasis on the emerging trend of home-based exercise. [2022]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of a Home-Based, Walking Exercise Behavior Change Intervention vs Usual Care on Walking in Adults With Peripheral Artery Disease: The MOSAIC Randomized Clinical Trial. [2022]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Relation of non-exercise walking activity with exercise performance in patients with peripheral artery disease: NEW activity for PAD. [2023]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of a Home-Based Exercise Intervention of Wearable Technology and Telephone Coaching on Walking Performance in Peripheral Artery Disease: The HONOR Randomized Clinical Trial. [2018]

12. Japan pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Training rather than walking: the test in -train out program for home-based rehabilitation in peripheral arteriopathy. [2019]