Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Comparing high-intensity and low-to-moderate exercise for patients with peripheral artery disease

Official title: Short-duration Aerobic High-intensity Intervals Versus Low-to-moderate-intensity Exercise Training in Symptomatic Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois · NCT05612945 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether high-intensity workouts or gentler exercises help people with peripheral artery disease walk better and feel healthier.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lausanne, Canton of Vaud)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 1, 2023
Main results expectedJuly 1, 2023
Study endsJanuary 1, 2028
Registry record updatedMarch 15, 2024
Trial IDNCT05612945 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adult patients with symptomatic PAD who can walk on a treadmill and meet specific clinical criteria.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are unable to walk at the required speed or have significant comorbidities that affect their ability to exercise may not benefit from this study.

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 investigates the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus low-to-moderate intensity training on patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD). The study aims to determine the optimal exercise intensity for improving walking capacity and quality of life in these patients. Participants will be assigned to either the HIIT group or the low-to-moderate intensity group, with their progress monitored through supervised exercise training. The trial seeks to clarify the role of exercise intensity in rehabilitation for PAD, which has been inadequately addressed in previous research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective exercise prescriptions for improving the health and quality of life of patients with peripheral artery disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with supervised exercise training in PAD, but this specific comparison of exercise intensities is novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients with symptomatic PAD (Fontaine stage IIa/b);
* ABI ≤ 0.9 or drop by 20% following exercise treadmill test 1;
* TBI ≤ 0.6 if incompressible arteries (diabetes and renal insufficiency);
* Signed written informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \< 18;
* Unable to walk at 3.2 km/h on a treadmill (slope 0%) at least 300 m;
* Previous participate in SET programs ≤ 1 year;
* Prior leg/foot amputation;
* Contraindication to exercise
* Neurological and neuromuscular disorders and other comorbidities (orthopedic, rheumatologic) leading to gait abnormalities.
* Known Pregnancy
* Incapacity of discernment

Where it's running

  • Chuv
    Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland
    Recruiting

Similar studies

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.