Speed rather than Distance: A Novel Graded Treadmill Test to Assess Claudication

• Published in: European journal of vascular and endovascular surgery 2004-09, Vol.28 (3), p.303-309
• Main Authors: Manfredini, F, Conconi, F, Malagoni, A.M, Manfredini, R, Mascoli, F, Liboni, A, Zamboni, P
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Claudication; Equipment Design; Exercise Test - instrumentation; Feasibility Studies; Female; Humans; Intermittent Claudication - diagnosis; Male; Pain Threshold; Peripheral vascular disease; Reproducibility of Results; Tests; Time Factors
• ISSN: 1078-5884; 1532-2165
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2004.05.005

Objective. To evaluate a new treadmill test, determining pain threshold speed (PTS) for use in assessment and measuring rehabilitation of patients with intermittent claudication. Methods and design. Twenty-nine patients with claudication were evaluated, and the ankle-brachial index (ABI) was assessed. PTS was determined with a treadmill protocol based on level walking, low starting speed, and progressive increments at a predetermined distance up to the onset of pain. Repeatability and equivalence with a time-based protocol were verified. PTS was compared to pain-free walking distance, 6-minute walking distance, and ABI. Results. PTS was measured in all patients (3.6±1.1 km/h). Repeatability and equivalence between established tests were demonstrated. PTS showed a significant correlation with pain-free walking distance (r=0.833; P=0.0001), with 6-minute walking distance (r=0.724; P=0.005), and with ABI in the more ischemic limb (r=0.641; P=0.0001). Conclusions. PTS is a reliable parameter that correlates well with other established measures. It is useful for determining the degree of functional handicap and for designing and guiding rehabilitation protocols.