Calf stretching therapy for improving health in patients with peripheral artery disease

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effects of passive calf muscle stretching on patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Participants will use inflatable ankle splints for 30 minutes daily, five days a week, over a four-week period to stretch their calf muscles. The study aims to assess improvements in calf muscle and vascular health, as well as walking performance. Measurements will include blood vessel health, calf muscle function, and oxygen levels during walking tests.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Presence of PAD
* Stable condition (PAD symptoms) for at least 3 months
* Age 40-85
* Men and women who are not pregnant or nursing

Exclusion Criteria:

* Ischemic leg pain at rest; critical limb ischemia (ulceration or gangrene)
* Any condition other than PAD that limits the ability to walk
* Major surgery or lower extremity revascularization surgery in the past 6 months
* Myocardial infarction within past 6 months or unstable angina
* Severe lung disease (on supplemental oxygen or frequently use rescue inhalers)
* Participants with non-compressible vessels (ABI \> 1.40)
* Habitual exercise (30 minutes of continuous activity on 3 or more days per week)
* Current tobacco smoker or use of nicotine-containing products
* Pregnant or nursing women
* History or ankle reconstruction or surgery Recent history (\<1 year) of injuries to the ankle, Achilles tendon, or feet
* History of rheumatoid arthritis or other degenerative joint disease
* Major medical illness treatment during the prior 12 months
* Uncontrolled hypertension
* Uncontrolled diabetes
* Inability to walk on a treadmill at a slow pace (1.0 mile/hour)

Where it's running

• Penn State University
  University Park, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: David N Proctor, Ph.D.
• Email: dnp3@psu.edu
• Phone: 814-571-5234

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.