Effectiveness of Group Walking Sessions for Increasing Activity in People With Peripheral Arterial Disease (The Group Oriented Arterial Leg Study [GOALS])

Lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a disease in which fatty build-up, or plaque, accumulates in the arteries of the legs. People with lower extremity PAD often experience leg pain while walking, which is caused by reduced blood flow to the legs. Regular walking has significant benefits for people with blood flow problems in their legs, but previous studies have shown that most men and women with PAD do not walk for exercise on a regular basis. A group home-based walking program may help people with PAD to walk more often and improve their lower extremity functioning. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a home-based group mediated cognitive behavioral (GMCB) exercise program in helping people with lower extremity PAD to increase their walking frequency and improve their lower leg functioning.