[Effect of physical training on blood flow properties in patients with intermittent claudication].

Abnormal blood flow in patients with intermittent claudication can be normalized by physical training. We found a decrease in blood viscosity with a decrease in the erythrocyte-aggregation tendency and significant simultaneous improvement in erythrocyte filtrability. Improvement in these haemorheological properties led to a significant increase in physical performance after training. This positive result can be obtained by regular physical training; the application of rheologically effective medicaments is not necessary.