The development and pilot randomised controlled trial of a group education programme for promoting walking in people with intermittent claudication.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to develop and evaluate a group education program to promote walking in people with intermittent claudication.
Results Summary
The intervention group showed superior walking capacity and quality of life compared to controls, with significant improvements in six-minute walk distance, treadmill maximum walking distance, and ICQ scores. Daily step counts did not differ between groups, and exit interviews indicated the program was well-received and increased participants' understanding of their condition and walking habits.
Population
People with intermittent claudication (Rutherford category 1-3).
Effective Dosage
Three-hour group-based education workshop plus follow-up telephone support.
Duration
Six weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
group education programme for promoting walking | increase | walking capacity | people with intermittent claudication (Rutherford category 1-3) | - | had superior | #1 |
group education programme for promoting walking | increase | quality of life | people with intermittent claudication (Rutherford category 1-3) | - | had superior | #2 |
group education programme for promoting walking | increase | six-minute walk distance | people with intermittent claudication (Rutherford category 1-3) | 44.9 m (95% CI, 6.9 to 82.9) | mean difference | #3 |
group education programme for promoting walking | increase | treadmill maximum walking distance | people with intermittent claudication (Rutherford category 1-3) | 173 m (95% CI, 23 to 322) | mean difference | #4 |
group education programme for promoting walking | decrease | Intermittent Claudication Questionnaire (ICQ) score | people with intermittent claudication (Rutherford category 1-3) | -10.6 (95% CI, -18.9 to -2.3) | mean difference | #5 |
group education programme for promoting walking | no change | daily step count | people with intermittent claudication (Rutherford category 1-3) | - | did not differ | #6 |
UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to develop and pilot a group education programme for promoting walking in people with intermittent claudication. Patient focus groups (n=24) and literature reviews were conducted to inform the development of the education programme, which involves a three-hour group-based education workshop and follow-up telephone support. A pilot study was subsequently conducted in which 23 new patients (Rutherford category 1-3) were randomly assigned to usual care (control) or usual care plus the education programme. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and six weeks including daily steps (tri-axial accelerometer), walking capacity (six-minute walk test and Gardner treadmill test), and quality of life (Intermittent Claudication Questionnaire [ICQ]). Exit interviews were conducted to assess the acceptability and usefulness of the programme. Compared with controls, the intervention group had superior walking capacity and quality of life at six weeks. Mean differences in six-minute walk distance, treadmill maximum walking distance and ICQ score were 44.9 m (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.9 to 82.9), 173 m (95% CI, 23 to 322), and -10.6 (95% CI, -18.9 to -2.3), respectively. The daily step count did not differ between groups. The exit interviews indicated that participants valued attending the programme, that it gave them a greater understanding of their condition, and that they had been walking more for exercise since attending. The results suggest that the education programme is feasible, acceptable, and potentially useful for improving walking capacity and quality of life. A fully-powered trial exploring clinical and cost effectiveness is needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN06733130 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).