Effect of Lower Leg Heating and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Exercise Capacity in Patients With PAD

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is characterized by poor circulation in the lower extremities that often provokes claudication (leg pain, numbness, and heaviness) with physical exertion. The aim of this research protocol is to determine the effect of two non-invasive treatment modalities on leg blood flow and exercise capacity in those with PAD. Specifically, we are measuring popliteal artery blood flow (Doppler ultrasound), toe oxygen saturation, ankle-brachial index (ABI), and 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) in men and women who have intermittent claudication (Fontaine Stage II; Rutherford Category 1-2) in response to 15 or 45 minutes of lower limb heating and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).