Passive Stretching and Dietary Nitrate Rescue Functional Capacity in Peripheral Arterial Disease
University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
Summary
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) leads to higher mortality rates and strains healthcare systems due to increased costs. It causes leg pain during walking due to reduced blood flow. Nitric oxide (NO) deficiency contributes to vascular issues in PAD, with few effective treatments available. Passive calf muscle stretching boosts NO levels, vascular health, and walking ability in PAD patients. However, the inflammatory processes underlying these improvements are unclear. This study aims to track inflammatory markers and cardiovascular changes during 12 weeks of passive stretching. Additionally, combining stretching with dietary nitrate could further enhance walking capacity by reducing reactive oxygen species. The study will monitor inflammation, vascular function, and oxidative capacity to understand the effects on functional ability in PAD patients. This research is crucial for improving physical function and addressing exercise intolerance in PAD.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 40–90 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: Ankle-brachial index of 0.90 or less Stable condition for at least 3 months Exclusion Criteria: Habitual exercise or cardiovascular rehabilitation program during the past 3 months Critical limb ischemia, amputation, or leg pain at rest Major surgery or lower extremity revascularization in the last 3 months Heart Failure Kidney disease Beet allergy Crohn's Current smoker
Interventions
- DeviceCalf Plantar flexion
Daily passive calf stretching
- Dietary SupplementDietary nitrate
Weekday 140 ml dietary nitrate consumption two hours prior to passive stretching
Location
- University of Wisconsin La CrosseLa Crosse, Wisconsin