Peripheral artery disease (PAD) leads to higher mortality rates and strains healthcare systems due to increased costs. It causes leg pain during walking due to reduced blood flow. Nitric oxide (NO) deficiency contributes to vascular issues in PAD, with few effective treatments available. Passive calf muscle stretching boosts NO levels, vascular health, and walking ability in PAD patients. However, the inflammatory processes underlying these improvements are unclear. This study aims to track inflammatory markers and cardiovascular changes during 12 weeks of passive stretching. Additionally, combining stretching with dietary nitrate could further enhance walking capacity by reducing reactive oxygen species. The study will monitor inflammation, vascular function, and oxidative capacity to understand the effects on functional ability in PAD patients. This research is crucial for improving physical function and addressing exercise intolerance in PAD.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
64
Daily passive calf stretching
Weekday 140 ml dietary nitrate consumption two hours prior to passive stretching
University of Wisconsin La Crosse
La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States
RECRUITINGFunctional capacity
6-minute walking distance will be assessed prior to an at various time points during the 12-week study
Time frame: 12-14 weeks
Inflammatory markers
Blood and calf muscle biopsy will be used to assess various inflammatory markers pre/post treatment.
Time frame: 12-14 weeks
Vascular function
Large vessel (flow-mediated vasodilation) and small vessel (Near-infrared spectroscopy on the calf) will be measured prior to and at various time points during the 12-week study.
Time frame: 12-14 weeks
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