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

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

Not applicable Interventional Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois · NCT05612945

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

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lausanne, Canton of Vaud)
Trial IDNCT05612945 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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

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.

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

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Lausanne, Canton of Vaud

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Peripheral Arterial DiseaseExerciseRehabilitationPhysical activity
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.