Passive stretching to improve walking in patients with peripheral artery disease
Passive Stretching and Dietary Nitrate Rescue Functional Capacity in Peripheral Arterial Disease
This study tests if passive stretching of the calf muscles can help people with peripheral artery disease walk better by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, La Crosse Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (La Crosse, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT06420752 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of passive calf muscle stretching on patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that causes leg pain due to reduced blood flow. Over a 12-week period, participants will undergo passive stretching to boost nitric oxide levels and improve vascular health, while also monitoring inflammatory markers and cardiovascular changes. The study will also explore the potential benefits of combining stretching with dietary nitrate to enhance walking capacity by reducing oxidative stress. The goal is to better understand how these interventions can improve physical function and address exercise intolerance in PAD patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with peripheral artery disease, specifically those with an ankle-brachial index of 0.90 or less and stable conditions for at least three months.
Not a fit: Patients with critical limb ischemia, recent major surgery, or those currently engaged in habitual exercise or cardiovascular rehabilitation may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance walking ability and overall quality of life for patients with peripheral artery disease.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on passive stretching for PAD, similar interventions targeting vascular health have shown promise in improving patient outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Ankle-brachial index of 0.90 or less Stable condition for at least 3 months Exclusion Criteria: Habitual exercise or cardiovascular rehabilitation program during the past 3 months Critical limb ischemia, amputation, or leg pain at rest Major surgery or lower extremity revascularization in the last 3 months Heart Failure Kidney disease Beet allergy Crohn's Current smoker
Where this trial is running
La Crosse, Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin La Crosse — La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jacob T Caldwell, Ph.D. — Assistant Professor
- Study coordinator: Jacob T Caldwell, Ph.D.
- Email: jcaldwell@uwlax.edu
- Phone: 608-785-8684
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.