Research

Mixed

High-intensity exercise training (77-95% max HR or 14-17 Borg scale) improves walking performance and cardiorespiratory fitness more effectively than low-intensity training in PAD patients.

If you can tolerate it, aim for high-intensity walking during your supervised sessions. Use a heart rate monitor or the Borg scale (14-17) to guide your effort. This approach yields the best improvements in how far and how well you can walk.

GoodSupportsHIGH 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.
Lucia Mazzolai et al. · European Heart Journal · 2024

Why this rating

Supported by specific studies (Fassora et al.) and meta-analyses, though some heterogeneity exists.

Source

Exercise therapy for chronic symptomatic peripheral artery disease

Lucia Mazzolai et al. · European Heart Journal · 2024

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