Heating Treatments for Peripheral Artery Disease
(EPR Trial)
Trial Summary
Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. Please consult with the trial coordinators for more details.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease?
Research shows that heat therapy, such as heated-water exercise and home-based leg heating, can improve walking distance and reduce blood pressure in patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). These therapies are well-tolerated and can enhance exercise tolerance and quality of life, making them a promising alternative or complement to traditional exercise programs.12345
Is heat therapy safe for humans with peripheral artery disease?
How does the No Heat Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease differ from other treatments?
The No Heat Treatment, or Standard Exercise Protocol, for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) involves supervised exercise without additional heating elements. Unlike heat therapies that use hot-water immersion or heated garments to improve blood flow and reduce symptoms, this approach focuses solely on traditional exercise to enhance walking ability and cardiovascular health.12378
What is the purpose of this trial?
The study objectives of this projects are to examine the hypothesis that the sympathetic and blood pressure responses to exercise will be attenuated during and after heat exposure in patients with peripheral artery disease, via altering the sensitivity of the muscle afferent receptors.
Research Team
Jian Cui
Principal Investigator
Penn State College of Medicine
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for men and women aged 21-85 with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), specifically those who can consent, speak English, have an ankle-brachial index below 0.9 without rest pain, and are generally healthy otherwise. It excludes pregnant or nursing women, individuals under 21 or with decisional impairments, prisoners, and those with other chronic diseases or recent severe cardiac events.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo various heating interventions followed by treadmill walking using the Gardner protocol. BP, HR, and NIRS are continuously measured.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Gardner walking protocol
- Heating Suit
- Lower limb warm water immersion
- Neutral Bath
- Warm Bath
- Without Heating
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Lead Sponsor