Gait Characteristics in Peripheral Artery Disease without Sarcopenia

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the gait characteristics of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients without sarcopenia. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 14 male PAD patients and 11 elderly males in the same age group who did not have sarcopenia. Gait at a comfortable speed, grip strength, isometric knee extension muscle strength, ankle range of motion, and body composition were measured and compared between the two groups. [Results] The PAD group showed a significant decrease in walking speed and stride. However, physical function items and lower limb blood flow showed no significant correlations with walking speed. [Conclusion] PAD patients showed decreased walking speed regardless of muscle mass and strength, suggesting the need for early intervention on gait.