Cross-sectoral Rehabilitation for Patients With Intermittent Claudication

Exercise training combined with other lifestyle changes are essential elements in conservative management of patients with Intermittent Claudication (IC). IC is essentially caused by atherosclerosis, which reduces blood flow to the legs and leads to cramping leg pain when walking. Patients suffering from IC may have difficulty in exercising and changing lifestyle without systematic intervention despite the risk of morbidity, mortality and hospitalization. Today, rehabilitation programs, including supervised exercise, exist for patients suffering ischemic heart disease but not for patients with IC, despite evidence that exercise therapy is highly beneficial for patients suffering IC. The overall aim of the present study is to examine the effect of conservative management of patients with IC provided as a three month, cross-sectoral exercise and lifestyle intervention program based on the already established cardiac rehabilitation program. Outcome will be assessed on walking distance and secondly on lifestyle changes and patient reported outcomes. Implications: The project will provide evidence for the effect of cross-sectoral collaborative conservative management of patients with IC, using the existing rehabilitation program already offered to patients suffering ischemic heart disease. Moreover, it will elicit knowledge on patient perceptions of conservative management of IC provided as a proactive cross-sectoral intervention and ways to support patients with IC in adhering to conservative management.