Therapeutic Calf Stretching for Peripheral Artery Disease
(STRETCH PAD Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this multi-center clinical trial is to assess the effects of passive calf muscle stretching in older adults diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The main questions it aims to answer are:
1. To determine how calf muscle stretching at home affects treadmill walk performance and daily physical activity level after 4 weeks and 6 months in these patients.
2. To determine how calf muscle stretching at home affects calf muscle vascular function and walking gait.
Participants will use inflatable ankle stretch boots for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 4-weeks
Who Is on the Research Team?
Gerd Brunner, PhD
Principal Investigator
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
Carl Ade, PhD
Principal Investigator
Kansas State University
David N Proctor, PhD
Principal Investigator
The Pennsylvania State University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for older adults diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (PAD) who have trouble walking due to leg pain. Participants should be able to walk on a treadmill and follow instructions for daily stretching at home.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Sham calf stretching
- Therapeutic calf stretching
Trial Overview
The study compares daily calf muscle stretching using inflatable ankle boots versus a sham (inactive) stretch, done at home for 30 minutes a day, 5 days per week over 4 weeks. The goal is to see if real stretching improves walking ability and leg health.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Seated bilateral static calf stretching at 90% of maximal tolerated stretch intensity with both feet resting on a second chair (knees extended). This will be performed at home 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks.
Seated bilateral static calf stretching at a minimal stretch intensity with both feet resting on the floor (knees bent). This will be performed at home 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Penn State University
Lead Sponsor
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