RECRUITING

Passive Calf Stretching Therapy in Peripheral Artery Disease

Description

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.

Conditions

Peripheral Artery DiseaseClaudication, Intermittent
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Related Conditions:

Peripheral Artery DiseaseClaudication, Intermittent

Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

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.

To Stretch, Not Strain: Impact of Passive Stretching on Calf Muscle and Gait Mechanics in PAD

Passive Calf Stretching Therapy in Peripheral Artery Disease

Condition
Peripheral Artery Disease
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

University Park

Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States, 16802

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Presence of PAD
  • * Stable condition (PAD symptoms) for at least 3 months
  • * Age 40-85
  • * Men and women who are not pregnant or nursing
  • * Ischemic leg pain at rest; critical limb ischemia (ulceration or gangrene)
  • * Any condition other than PAD that limits the ability to walk
  • * Major surgery or lower extremity revascularization surgery in the past 6 months
  • * Myocardial infarction within past 6 months or unstable angina
  • * Severe lung disease (on supplemental oxygen or frequently use rescue inhalers)
  • * Participants with non-compressible vessels (ABI \> 1.40)
  • * Habitual exercise (30 minutes of continuous activity on 3 or more days per week)
  • * Current tobacco smoker or use of nicotine-containing products
  • * Pregnant or nursing women
  • * History or ankle reconstruction or surgery Recent history (\<1 year) of injuries to the ankle, Achilles tendon, or feet
  • * History of rheumatoid arthritis or other degenerative joint disease
  • * Major medical illness treatment during the prior 12 months
  • * Uncontrolled hypertension
  • * Uncontrolled diabetes
  • * Inability to walk on a treadmill at a slow pace (1.0 mile/hour)

Ages Eligible for Study

40 Years to 85 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Penn State University,

Study Record Dates

2026-07