Passive Calf Stretching Therapy in Peripheral Artery Disease
Start Date
4/1/2024
Completion Date
7/1/2027
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the effects of passive calf muscle stretching in patients diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The main question it aims to answer are: 1. To determine if daily calf muscle stretching at home improves calf muscle and vascular health. 2. To determine if daily calf muscle stretching at home improves walking performance. Participants will use inflatable ankle splints for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 4-weeks on both days and 4-weeks of no stretching.
Detailed Description
Patients with peripheral artery disease will passively stretch their calf muscles using a stretch device on both feet for 30 minutes a day for 4 weeks. Blood vessel health and size, length and function of the calf muscles and tendons and walking performance will be measured. Joint and foot movements as well as calf muscle oxygen levels will be measured during walking performance tests.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Range: 40 years to 85 years
Interventions
Passive calf muscle stretching device
Conditions
Locations
Penn State University
University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
United States