In 23 patients with intermittent claudication due to cauda equina compression who underwent therapeutic exercises, we examined the effects of these exercises. Therapeutic exercises to improve the hip joint as well as lumbar contraction were effective for 21 patients (91.3%) in their recovery of the walking distance. In the first examination, an average walking distance was 102.1m, however 8 patients (38.0%) were able to walk more than 1km after 1 month. After 2 months, 15 patients (71.4%) were able to walk for more than 1 km. The remaining 6 patients were able to walk an average of 640m with a high degree of satisfaction. In the patient who had intermittent claudication with contracture of the hip joint and the lumbar region, it is considered worthwhile to attempt therapeutic exercise for approximately 2 months.
