Research
Mixed
High-intensity exercise training (77-95% max HR) improves walking performance and cardiorespiratory fitness more than low-intensity training in PAD patients.
To maximize your walking distance, aim for high-intensity exercise. Target 77-95% of your maximum heart rate or a Borg scale rating of 14-17. This may involve significant leg pain, which is expected and part of the adaptation process.
GoodSupportsMEDIUM confidence
Walking training performed at high intensity (77–95% of maximal heart rate or 14-17 on the Borg’s scale) should be considered to improve walking performance. High intensity exercise should also be considered to improve cardiorespiratory fitness.
Why this rating
Based on consensus guidelines and specific studies cited.
Source
Exercise therapy for chronic symptomatic peripheral artery disease
Lucia Mazzolai et al. · VASA · 2024
DOI 10.1024/0301-1526/a001112
clinical_guidelineCited 11×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Supervised exercise training (SET) is a first-line therapy for chronic symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) that significantly improves walking distance and functional status.Strong
- Home-based training (HBT) is an effective alternative to supervised exercise training when SET is not feasible, provided it is monitored.Good
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