Improving walking after leg artery revascularization
Official title: IMProving mobility After revasCularizaTion in Peripheral Artery Disease: the IMPACT PAD Trial
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11220054 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,432,256 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3HL169565-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11220054 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdermott, Mary Mcgrae — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Mcdermott, Mary Mcgrae
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.