Using a sample of patients (n=203) with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), the investigators of this study sought to determine whether higher physical activity levels (measured by vertical accelerometer) were associated with less functional decline over a 4-year follow-up (mean=33.6 months). Results of the study indicated that higher baseline physical activity levels were associated with significantly less average annual decline in 6-minute walk performance (p=0.010), fast-paced 4-meter walking velocity (p=0.002) and the short performance physical battery (p=0.001). Compared to participants in the lowest quartile of physical activity at baseline, those in the highest quartile had a smaller decline in 6-minute walk performance (p=0.019), in fast-paced 4-meter walking speed (p=0.002) and in the short performance physical battery (p=0.005). In a subsample of 39 asymptomatic PAD patients, a higher level of physical activity was associated with less decline in 6-minute walk performance and in usual- and fast-paced walking velocity. PAD patients who are physically active therefore experience less functional decline. These results stress the importance of maintaining a physically active lifestyle, even in a population with peripheral arterial disease.
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