Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

CG147/2

Question

Supervised exercise programmes for treating people with intermittent claudication:- What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of supervised exercise programmes compared with unsupervised exercise for treating people with intermittent claudication, taking into account the effects on long-term outcomes and continuing levels of exercise?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- Research has shown that taking part in exercise and physical activity can lead to improvements in symptoms in the short term for people with intermittent claudication. However, the benefits of exercise are quickly lost if it is not frequent and regular. Supervised exercise programmes have been shown to produce superior results when compared with advice to exercise (unsupervised) in the short term, but they are more expensive, and there is a lack of robust evidence on long-term effectiveness. A community-based randomised controlled trial is required to compare the long-term clinical and cost effectiveness of a supervised exercise programme and unsupervised exercise. The trial should enrol people with peripheral arterial disease-related claudication, but exclude those with previous endovascular or surgical interventions. The primary outcome measure should be maximal walking distance, with secondary outcome measures including quality of life, function, levels of uptake of exercise programmes and long-term engagement in physical activity.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Peripheral arterial disease: diagnosis and management

Number

CG147

Date issued

August 2012

Other details