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Hypoxic Exercise in Lower Extremity Artery Disease

Not Applicable
Conditions
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Interventions
Other: Exercise in hypoxia 1500m
Other: Exercise in hypoxia 2500m
Other: Exercise in normoxia
Registration Number
NCT03506607
Lead Sponsor
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois
Brief Summary

The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to:

Phase I: To explore, in a first pilot phase, the adequate combination of hypoxia severity and exercise intensity in patients with symptomatic lower extremity artery disease (LEAD). Acute walking performances and physiological responses (vascular and muscular) to a normobaric hypoxic exercise performed will be assessed at two different altitudes (1500 m and 2500 m).

Detailed Description

The results of this first phase will then be used to determine the optimal hypoxic level for the exercise training program which will be assessed during the Phase II.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
20
Inclusion Criteria
  • Patients with symptomatic LEAD (Fontaine stage ≥ IIa)
  • ABI ≤ 0.9
  • TBI ≤ 0.6 if incompressible arteries (diabetes and renal insufficiency)
  • Signed written informed consent form
Exclusion Criteria
  • Neurological and neuromuscular disorders which can limit balance and walking
  • Any history of altitude-related sickness
  • Any health risks (assessed during clinical history) linked to hypoxia exposure
  • Acclimatization or exposure to hypoxia of more than 2000 m for more than 48 h during a period of 6 months before the study
  • Medication required for the treatment of migraines, claustrophobia that may interfere with the interpretation of the results
  • Obstructive sleep apnea (> 25 Apnea-Hypopnea Index)
  • Prior leg/foot amputation
  • Pregnant women
  • Cardiac contraindication to exercise

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Exercise in hypoxia 1500mExercise in hypoxia 1500mDuring this visit, subjects will perform a 6-min treadmill exercise wearing an oronasal mask connected (through a hose) with a three-way valve to an altitude simulation device (Altitrainer; SMTech, Nyon, Switzerland). The ambient air will be mixed with nitrogen and inspired oxygen fraction will be reduced to 16%.
Exercise in hypoxia 2500mExercise in hypoxia 2500mDuring this visit, subjects will perform a 6-min treadmill exercise wearing an oronasal mask connected (through a hose) with a three-way valve to an altitude simulation device (Altitrainer; SMTech, Nyon, Switzerland). The ambient air will be mixed with nitrogen and inspired oxygen fraction will be reduced to 14%.
Exercise in normoxiaExercise in normoxiaDuring this visit, subjects will perform a 6-min treadmill exercise wearing an oronasal mask connected (through a hose) with a three-way valve to an altitude simulation device (Altitrainer; SMTech, Nyon, Switzerland). For the exercise performed in normoxia conditions, subjects will breathe room air.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Flow-mediated dilationBefore and after each 6 min treadmill test performed under hypoxic condition (1500 and 2500 m) and under normoxic condition (i.e., average of 3 weeks; one condition per week)

Flow-mediated dilation before and after the 6 min treadmill test

Pulse oxygen saturationAfter each 6 min treadmill test performed under hypoxic condition (1500 and 2500 m) and under normoxic condition (i.e., average of 3 weeks; one condition per week)

Pulse oxygen saturation during the 6 min treadmill test

Walking performanceAfter each 6 min treadmill test performed under hypoxic condition (1500 and 2500 m) and under normoxic condition (i.e., average of 3 weeks; one condition per week)

Total walking distance (in meters) during the 6 min treadmill test

Pain free walking timeAfter each 6 min treadmill test performed under hypoxic condition (1500 and 2500 m) and under normoxic condition (i.e., average of 3 weeks; one condition per week)

Pain free walking time during the 6 min treadmill test

Muscle oxygenation during exerciseAfter each 6 min treadmill test performed under hypoxic condition (1500 and 2500 m) and under normoxic condition (i.e., average of 3 weeks; one condition per week)

Muscle oxygenation during the 6 min treadmill test (assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy)

Pulse wave velocityBefore and after each 6 min treadmill test performed under hypoxic condition (1500 and 2500 m) and under normoxic condition (i.e., average of 3 weeks; one condition per week)

Pulse wave velocity before and after the 6 min treadmill test

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Ankle-brachial indexBefore and after each 6 min treadmill test performed under hypoxic condition (1500 and 2500 m) and under normoxic condition (i.e., average of 3 weeks; one condition per week)

Ankle-brachial index before and after the 6 min treadmill test

Rate of perceived exertionAfter each 6 min treadmill test performed under hypoxic condition (1500 and 2500 m) and under normoxic condition (i.e., average of 3 weeks; one condition per week)

Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) will be assessed using Borg's scale. RPE is a widely used and reliable indicator to monitor and guide exercise intensity. The scale allows individuals to subjectively rate their level of exertion during 6 min treadmill test. Patients will classify their RPE between 6 (light) and 20 (maximal).

Leg painAfter each 6 min treadmill test performed under hypoxic condition (1500 and 2500 m) and under normoxic condition (i.e., average of 3 weeks; one condition per week)

Leg pain during exercise will be measured with a 10-points (0: "no pain" and 10: "worst imaginable pain") visual analogic scale (VAS).

Toe-brachial indexBefore and after each 6 min treadmill test performed under hypoxic condition (1500 and 2500 m) and under normoxic condition (i.e., average of 3 weeks; one condition per week)

Toe-brachial index before and after the 6 min treadmill test

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

CHUV

🇨🇭

Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland

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