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Review ArticleMedical ProgressFree Preview

Exercise Training for Claudication

List of authors.
  • Kerry J. Stewart, Ed.D.,
  • William R. Hiatt, M.D.,
  • Judith G. Regensteiner, Ph.D.,
  • and Alan T. Hirsch, M.D.

Claudication, a manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis and accompanying peripheral vascular disease, is characterized by pain induced by walking in one or both legs; it primarily affects the calves. Claudication usually does not abate with continued walking and is relieved only by rest. Since the effects of approved medication are usually limited, exercise programs have been developed to treat this painful condition. This review discusses the rationale for an exercise program for the patient with claudication, with a focus on pathophysiology and the effect of training.

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Funding and Disclosures

All the authors have reported receiving consulting or lecture fees from Otsuka America Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Hirsch has reported receiving grant support from Otsuka and lecture and consulting fees from Sanofi–Bristol-Myers Squibb. Dr. Regensteiner has reported receiving lecture fees from Sanofi–Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Author Affiliations

From the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore (K.J.S.); the Section of Vascular Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology (W.R.H., J.G.R.), Geriatrics (W.R.H.), and Internal Medicine (J.G.R.), Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver; the Colorado Prevention Center, Denver (W.R.H.); and the Vascular Medicine Program, Cardiovascular Division, Minnesota Vascular Diseases Centers, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis (A.T.H.).

Address reprint requests to Dr. Stewart at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, 4940 Eastern Ave., Baltimore, MD 21224, or at .

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