The Effects of Diet and Exercise Interventions in Peripheral Artery Disease

Summary

This study is a 3-month, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial designed to address the efficacy of the DASH dietary program combined with a home-based exercise program, quantified by a step activity monitor, to improve exercise and vascular outcome measures in patients with PAD.

Detailed Description

This study seeks to (1) compare the changes in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and physical function quality of life in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) following a combined intervention of the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) dietary program plus a home-based exercise program, and following a home-based exercise program alone; and (2) compare the changes in microvascular function and inflammation in patients following the combined DASH diet and home-based exercise program, and the home-based exercise program alone. The investigators hypothesize that the combined DASH diet and exercise program will result in greater increases in 6MWD and in the physical function quality of life than the exercise program alone. Further, it is hypothesized that the combined DASH diet and exercise program will result in greater improvements in calf muscle oxygen saturation \[StO2\] following exercise, and in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP\]) than the exercise program alone. The home-based exercise program consists of intermittent walking to moderate claudication pain in a home-based setting. The DASH dietary program consists of the dietary approaches to stop hypertension diet emphasizing foods rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.

Eligibility Criteria

Interventions