The Effect of Different Supervised Exercise Modalities on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.
Cheng-Wei Ho, Yan-Rong Ho, Min-Hsiang Chuang et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review and frequentist random-effects network meta-analysis compared supervised treadmill, arm-ergometry, and leg-ergometry with other exercise modalities or nonexercise controls in adults with peripheral artery disease. Eleven randomized trials involving 519 participants were included; interventions lasted 12 to 24 weeks. Compared with control, treadmill training increased maximal walking distance by 191.25 m (95% CI, 66.84-315.65 m, P < .01). Treadmill and arm-ergometry also improved peak oxygen uptake, while all three exercise modalities improved pain-free walking distance.
Key findings
- Arm-ergometry increased peak oxygen uptake by 1.85 mL/kg/min (95% CI, 0.99-2.71 mL/kg/min, P < .01) versus control.
- Treadmill training increased peak oxygen uptake by 1.46 mL/kg/min (95% CI, 1.12-1.81 mL/kg/min, P < .01) versus control.
- Treadmill training increased maximal walking distance by 191.25 m (95% CI, 66.84-315.65 m, P < .01); arm-ergometry showed no significant difference.
- Pain-free walking distance improved versus control with treadmill training, arm-ergometry, and leg-ergometry.
Why it matters
The analysis compares supervised exercise options across outcomes relevant to functional capacity in peripheral artery disease. Its findings suggest that benefits may differ by modality and outcome: treadmill training improved both maximal and pain-free walking distance, while arm-ergometry improved peak oxygen uptake and pain-free walking distance. These comparisons can inform understanding of the evidence base for supervised exercise.
What to keep in mind
The analysis included 11 trials and 519 participants, and eligible interventions lasted 12 to 24 weeks; longer-term outcomes are not reported in the abstract.