Non-Ischemic, pain-free exercise for peripheral artery disease
Official title: The effects of a novel, non-ischemic and pain-free exercise intervention in peripheral artery disease
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11393017 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly exercise program that avoids leg ischemia is being tested to help people with peripheral artery disease walk farther and feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $483,408 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG071778-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393017 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with peripheral artery disease, especially older adults, who can participate in a structured walking program.
✕Less likely to help
Patients unable to participate in any walking program or with contraindications to exercise may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a gentle, non-ischemic exercise program (NICE) to see if it improves walking ability, quality of life, and blood vessel health in people with PAD better than a traditional painful exercise program. Participants will be randomized to NICE or standard exercise, with outcomes on walking performance, daily function, and markers of vascular health. The study builds on preliminary work and will measure how changes in microvascular function relate to walking gains. It aims to provide evidence for a safer, more tolerable exercise option that could benefit many older adults with PAD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with PAD may gain longer walking distances and better quality of life through a safer, pain-free exercise option.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests non-ischemic, comfortable exercise can improve function, but this study tests its superiority over standard painful exercise in PAD.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gardner, Andrew W — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Gardner, Andrew W
Related research
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Low-dose colchicine to reduce vascular risk in people with peripheral artery disease
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-
Gamified home walking program to help seniors with peripheral artery disease improve walking and quality of life
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-
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This project looks at how fat metabolism in leg muscles relates to weakness and tissue damage in people with peripheral artery disease and aims to find new ways to help them.
-
Enhancing muscle energy to help leg function in PAD
A study to boost how muscle mitochondria work in people with peripheral artery disease to improve walking and leg function.
-
Low-dose colchicine for people with peripheral artery disease to reduce heart and limb risks
A large international study will test whether a low daily dose of colchicine can lower heart and limb complications for people with peripheral artery disease.
-
Low-dose colchicine for reducing vascular risk in people with PAD
A large international study will test whether a daily low dose of colchicine can lower heart and limb-related risks for people with peripheral artery disease.
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.