Supervised In-Person versus Home-Based Exercise in Peripheral Artery Disease: A Pilot Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAD) causes intermittent claudication and functional impairment. Exercise is a primary therapeutic strategy, yet comparisons between supervised in-person and remote home-based programs are limited. This pilot study compared both modalities on physical function and quality of life in individuals with PAD.

METHODS: Fifteen adults under 65 years with PAD were assigned to an in-person group (n = 8) or a home-based group (n = 7). Both completed an 8-week aerobic and resistance-training program (3 60-min sessions/week). Vascular function (PVR 2CP), body composition, physical function (1-min STST, 6MWT), muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2), medication adherence (Morisky-Green), physical activity (IPAQ), and quality of life (EQ-5D VAS) were assessed.

RESULTS: Participants were mostly men (60%) with multiple comorbidities. No baseline differences were observed. Adherence was higher in the in-person group (91.7% vs. 41%). The in-person group showed significant improvements in 6MWT distance (+51 m; P < 0.05), PVR, pain-free walking, and lower-limb strength/endurance (1-min STST; P < 0.05). The home-based group showed no significant functional changes. Pain-free walking improved in both groups, with greater gains in the in-person modality. Hemodynamic measures remained stable, medication adherence was unchanged, and quality of life showed slight improvement in both groups. Physiological responses during the 6MWT displayed expected exercise-related patterns without group differences.

CONCLUSION: Supervised in-person exercise produced meaningful improvements in functional capacity, strength, endurance, and PVR values. These benefits underscore the effectiveness of this supervised in-person protocol for individuals with PAD in our local context.