Changes of walking distance in patients with intermittent claudication during six months intensive physical training.

Patients with intermittent claudication were treated with six months intensive physical training. They were instructed to walk with a speed of 6 km/h until they got complaints and then to rest for some time. This sequence was repeated until men below 65 years had walked 2 km. Men above the age of 65 years and women had to walk 1.5 km. This training session was performed 3 times a day. Every two months the claudication distances in a corridor and on a treadmill were measured. Out of 95 patients 65 completed the training. In 38 patients (59%) there was no substantial change in walking distance. Fourteen patients (22%) doubled their walking distance, seven (11%) could walk more than 1000 m, but their complaints remained. Six (9%) could walk more than 1000 m without claudication pain. Most patients gained their result during the last 2 months of the program. After the training 48% of the patients were satisfied with their walking distance.