Improving walking after leg artery revascularization

IMProving mobility After revasCularizaTion in Peripheral Artery Disease: the IMPACT PAD Trial

NIH-funded research Northwestern University · NIH-11220054

This project checks whether adding a home-based walking program and nitrate-rich beetroot juice helps people with peripheral artery disease walk better after revascularization procedures.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11220054 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you join after a lower-extremity revascularization, the study will compare usual post-procedure care to a program that adds guided home-based walking therapy. At the same time, participants will be assigned to take either inorganic nitrate (from beetroot juice) or a placebo to see if the supplement boosts recovery. Researchers will measure walking ability with standardized walking tests and follow participants at scheduled clinic visits. The goal is to find an accessible way to improve walking without requiring supervised exercise programs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with peripheral artery disease who are scheduled for or have recently undergone lower-extremity revascularization for disabling but non-limb-threatening blockages are the intended participants.

Not a fit: People with limb-threatening ischemia, those who cannot safely walk or follow a home exercise program, or those with medical contraindications to nitrates may not be eligible or receive benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help people walk farther and recover better after leg artery procedures using an accessible home rehabilitation program and a simple dietary supplement.

How similar studies have performed: Previous trials show supervised exercise plus revascularization improves walking, but combining home-based exercise and nitrate supplementation after revascularization is a relatively new approach.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.