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Both exercise training and endovascular revascularization are options for patients with intermittent vascular claudication. In this trial from the Netherlands, 150 patients with intermittent claudication were randomized to receive either supervised exercise training or angioplasty (with stenting, in some cases) of femoral or iliac stenoses. Patients in the exercise group attended supervised sessions twice weekly for 24 weeks and were instructed in a home walking program; those in the revascularization group received general lifestyle recommendations.
At baseline, mean resting ankle-brachial index was 0.62, mean maximum pain-free walking distance was about 90 meters, and mean maximum walking distance was about 180 meters. During the first wee…