SMART exercise program for peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Sequential Multiple Assessment Randomized Trial of Exercise for PAD: SMART Exercise for PAD
Comparing supervised treadmill therapy to a guided home exercise program to help people with PAD walk farther.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126011 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be randomly assigned to either supervised treadmill exercise at a clinic or to a structured home exercise program that includes behavior-change coaching, regular coach contact, and specific exercise intensity. The home program is designed to be more convenient while matching features that have helped people with PAD in past trials. Researchers will measure walking ability with the six-minute walk test and other clinical measures over time. The study will also look at why many people do not get meaningful improvement and who benefits most from each approach.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with lower-extremity peripheral artery disease who experience leg pain or limited walking and who can safely perform an exercise program are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with severe mobility limitations, medical conditions that prevent exercise, or who cannot participate in required visits or coaching may not receive benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make an effective, easier-to-access home exercise option available so more people with PAD can improve their walking and daily function.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials have shown home-based programs with coaching can improve six-minute walk distance versus control, but no randomized trial has directly compared such a home program to supervised exercise therapy.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdermott, Mary Mcgrae — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Mcdermott, Mary Mcgrae
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 below.