Counseling Interventions for Walking reduce risk of CV Events in Peripheral Artery Disease, finds study

New research revealed that counseling interventions to increase walking and physical activity have reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and cardiovascular deaths in individuals with peripheral artery disease. The trial which is a post hoc analysis published the results in the journal JAMA Surgery. 

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition where blood flow to the limbs is reduced due to narrowing of the arteries. This results in walking impairment and increased risk of cardiovascular events. It is a global disease-causing increased risk of heart diseases and stroke. Structured exercise programs significantly improve walking ability and quality of life (QOL) in individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, access to these programs is often limited, and many patients struggle to maintain the walking improvements over time. Research has shown that short-term benefits are achievable through structured exercise and long-term walking improvements often diminish once formal programs end. Effective long-term strategies could not only enhance mobility but also improve overall cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of adverse events in this population. Hence, Brief Behavioral Intervention by Allied Health Professionals to Promote Physical Activity Interventions for PAD is a randomized clinical trial that was conducted in Australia to offer new hope for patients suffering from PAD. 

The trial is a parallel, multicenter randomized clinical trial that examined a counseling intervention. It was conducted between January 2015 and August 2023 involving 200 participants from vascular departments in Brisbane, Sydney, and Townsville. Participants who experienced walking difficulties due to PAD were randomly assigned to either a counseling intervention group or a control group. The counseling group were given four brief sessions designed to help them overcome challenges related to increasing physical activity, specifically walking. The primary outcome of the trial was to measure the difference in MACE risk between the two groups.