Warm-leg therapy to help people with peripheral artery disease walk and do more
Official title: Leg heat therapy to improve functional performance in peripheral artery disease
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11323098 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether wearing portable, hot-water circulating trousers at home can improve walking, leg strength, and daily life for people with peripheral artery disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $427,586 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG073634-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11323098 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with lower-extremity peripheral artery disease who experience walking limitation or leg pain with activity are the most likely candidates for this work.
✕Less likely to help
People without PAD, or those with severe limb-threatening ischemia, open leg wounds, or medical conditions that make heat therapy unsafe may not benefit or be eligible.
What this research studies
You would wear custom water-circulating trousers that gently heat your buttocks, thighs, and calves using a portable pump, and use them at home without supervision. The study compares real leg heat therapy to a sham version and measures changes in walking ability, muscle strength, and quality of life over time. The team builds on small pilot and preclinical work that suggested benefits and now aims to test the home-based approach in a larger group of people. Study visits at the research site will track your progress and safety while you use the device at home.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this non-invasive, at-home therapy could improve walking, leg strength, and overall quality of life for people with PAD without surgery or new medications.
How similar studies have gone: Early animal studies, a small randomized sham-controlled trial of 32 patients, and an R21 pilot showed promising improvements in muscle strength and perceived function, but larger home-based trials are still needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roseguini, Bruno T — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Roseguini, Bruno T
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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.