Are the barriers for physical activity practice equal for all peripheral artery disease patients?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate barriers to physical activity related to the sociodemographic comorbidities and clinical variables of patients with intermittent claudication.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Ambulatory care.

PARTICIPANTS

The medical histories of patients (N=145) aged ≥50 years with intermittent claudication were examined.

INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sociodemographic data (sex, race, level of education, socioeconomic status, marital status), comorbidities (overweight, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, currently smoking, heart disease), and clinical variables (initial claudication distance, total walking distance, ankle-brachial index). Information on personal and environmental barriers was obtained by questionnaire.

RESULTS

Low economic status was most associated with "being afraid of falling" (odd ratios [OR]=2.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-4.54). Low education level was most associated with "lack of street pedestrian crossing" (OR=3.34; 95% CI, 1.48-7.52). Diabetes was associated with lack of energy (OR=3.38; 95% CI, 1.68-6.79) and other medical conditions (eg, arthritis, angina) (OR=3.44; 95% CI, 1.65-7.16). Ankle brachial index was associated with "some difficulty in getting to a place where physical activity can be performed" (OR=2.75; 95% CI, 1.22-6.21). Walking capacity was strongly associated with barriers relating to leg pain (OR=7.39; 95% CI, 1.66-32.88).

CONCLUSIONS

Older patients, those with a low education level, patients with diabetes, low ankle brachial index, and those with a lower walking capacity are more likely to experience barriers to physical activity.