Comparing arm-ergometry and treadmill exercise training on cardiovascular risk factors in peripheral artery disease: secondary analysis of the ARMEX trial

BACKGROUND: Peripheral artery disease (PAD), usually caused by atherosclerosis, is linked to high cardiovascular mortality. In this setting, a multidimensional cardiovascular rehabilitation program (CRP) comprising supervised exercise training can improve cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) control. This study compares the effects of an arm-ergometry supervised exercise training (AEx) with a standard treadmill protocol (TEx) on CRF. METHODS: The ARMEX trial (ISRCTN54908548) was a single-center, single-blinded, parallel groups, noninferiority randomized clinical trial enrolling symptomatic PAD patients referred to a CRP. Participants were randomized (1:1) either to a 12-week AEx or TEx. Changes in blood pressure, lipid profile, glycated hemoglobin, body composition, physical activity levels, sedentary time and number of cigarettes smoked after the CRP were assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients (66±8.4 years; 87.5% male) were included: AEx (N.=28) and TEx (N.=28). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased in both groups without significant between-group differences. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly only in the AEx group, without significant between-group differences. Weight, body mass index, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio and physical activity levels improved in both groups, without significant between-group differences. Smoking reduction was also similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: A multidimensional CRP, whether involving arm-ergometry or treadmill exercise, improved CRF control in symptomatic PAD patients. Both exercise modalities were equally effective, supporting their use as part of a comprehensive approach in this complex population.