Leg heat therapy improves perceived physical function but does not enhance walking capacity or vascular function in patients with peripheral artery disease
Jacob C. Monroe, Chen Lin, Susan M. Perkins, Han Yan, Brett J. Wong, Raghu L. Motaganahalli, Bruno T. Roseguini
Abstract
This is the first sham-controlled study to investigate the effects of leg heat therapy (HT) on walking performance, vascular function, and quality of life in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Adherence to HT was high, and the treatment was well tolerated. Our findings revealed that HT applied with water-circulating trousers evokes a clinically meaningful increase in perceived physical function and reduces the serum concentration of the potent vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 in patients with PAD.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineConfidence intervalReactive hyperemiaAnkleInternal medicinePeripheralBlood pressurePopliteal arteryBrachial arteryQuality of life (healthcare)CardiologyBlood flowSurgeryNursingPeripheral Artery Disease ManagementExercise and Physiological ResponsesLymphatic System and Diseases