Motivating Physical Activity With Behavioural interVention and Electrical Stimulation Remotely in Intermittent Claudication
This study aims to find better ways to help people with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) who experience leg pain when walking, a condition called Intermittent Claudication (IC). While exercise is very important for PAD, existing supervised programs can be hard to access. This research explores an approach where people receive support from a physiotherapist through online sessions, along with a TENS device to help manage pain during activity. The goal is to make it easier for people to become more active at home, which can improve their walking ability and overall health. Researchers will compare this new approach to the usual care provided by the NHS in Lanarkshire.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study focuses on a common condition called Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which often causes leg pain when walking. This leg pain is known as Intermittent Claudication (IC). People with PAD and IC often find it difficult to walk as much as they'd like, which can affect their quality of life and general health.
Being physically active is really important for people with IC. It can help improve their walking, reduce symptoms, and even improve their long-term health. Currently, exercise classes led by experts are recommended, but these aren't always easy to get to, especially if you live in a rural area or have difficulty moving around. Exercising at home could be a good alternative, but it can be hard to start, stick with, and stay motivated, especially when pain is a factor.
This study is looking at a new way to support people with IC to be more active at home. It combines several approaches: remote physiotherapy sessions (meaning you talk to a physiotherapist online or over the phone) and using a pain-relief device called TENS. TENS devices use mild electrical pulses to help reduce pain. The idea is that the physiotherapist can offer advice, motivation, and help you set goals, while the TENS device might make walking less painful. This combination aims to make at-home exercise more manageable and effective for people with IC. The study will compare this new approach to the standard care currently offered by NHS Lanarkshire to see if it makes a positive difference.
Key takeaways
- Focuses on improving walking for people with leg pain from poor circulation (PAD/IC).
- Uses remote physiotherapy and a TENS device to help manage pain and encourage activity.
- Aims to make exercise at home easier and more accessible.
- Compares this new approach to standard NHS care.
- Could help improve quality of life and health for those with IC.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you would need to have been diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and have had stable leg pain, known as Intermittent Claudication (IC), for at least three months. Your walking must be limited mainly by this leg pain. You also need to be able to read and understand English well enough to follow the study instructions and provide your consent to take part.
There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you're due to have surgery or another procedure for your PAD in the next three months, or if your PAD is very severe (called critical limb ischaemia). You also can't participate if you have certain conditions that might make exercise unsafe, or if you've already used a TENS machine for your PAD before. Other reasons for not being able to join include having certain medical conditions (like epilepsy or a pacemaker), needing walking aids like artificial limbs, or having recently had major surgery, a heart attack, or a stroke.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Do you have a diagnosis of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
- Have you experienced stable leg pain (Intermittent Claudication) for at least 3 months?
- Is your walking mainly limited by this leg pain?
- Can you read and understand English well enough to follow study instructions?
- Are you NOT scheduled for PAD surgery or procedure in the next 3 months?
- Do you NOT have critical limb ischaemia (very severe PAD)?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will have four physiotherapy sessions remotely, likely online or over the phone, throughout the study. You will also be provided with a TENS device to use at home. The study will involve regular check-ups and assessments to see how you are progressing and how the new approach is working. The total duration of your participation in the study will be explained in full detail by the research team. You will be asked to track your physical activity and keep notes on your symptoms.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- NHS LanarkshireVerified postcodeGlasgow, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
PAD is a common condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs, most commonly your legs, causing pain when walking.
What is Intermittent Claudication (IC)?
IC is the medical term for the leg pain you feel when exercising, like walking, due to PAD. It usually eases with rest.
What is a TENS device?
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It's a small device that uses mild electrical pulses through pads placed on your skin to help relieve pain.
Will I have to travel for this study?
No, the physiotherapy sessions are remote, meaning they happen online or over the phone, and you use the TENS device at home.
Who is funding this research?
Information about the funding source for this clinical trial is not available in the provided text.
How to find out more
Sean Paul Carroll, PhDCandidate
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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