Comparison of Six-Minute Walk Distance and Walking Impairment Questionnaire in Tobacco and Non-tobacco Users with Intermittent Claudication

Tobacco has detrimental effects on human body. Tobacco contributes to the onset of Peripheral Arterial Disease which brings about changes such as – Atherosclerosis, Inflammation, Vasoconstriction of the arteries, reducing the blood supply to the tissues and impairs wound healing. There is evidence which shows that tobacco affects ambulatory function and exercise capacity in patients with Intermittent Claudication. Even in the absence of symptoms, people with PAD had reduced levels of physical activity, worse walking endurance, slower walking speeds, and worse balance than people without PAD. Greater functional impairment is correlated with PAD severity. A low-cost way to test the ability to walk is the Six-minute walk test. And to quantify the ambulatory function, Walking Impairment Questionnaire was designed. This present study aims to compare six-minute walk distance and Walking Impairment Questionnaire score in tobacco and non-tobacco users with Intermittent Claudication. A comparative, observational study will be conducted. Six-minute walk test will be conducted. The distance walked by the patient in six minutes will be noted. Walking Impairment Questionnaire will be filled by the participants. The “walking distance,” “walking speed” and “stair climbing” scores will be noted according to the Questionnaire filled by the patients. The distance walked by the patient in Six-Minute Walk test and the score of the Walking Impairment Questionnaire in tobacco and non-tobacco users with Intermittent Claudication will be compared to understand the walking ability of the patients.