Sharpe, Lisa Rebecca (2025) A study to assess the feasibility of implementing a supervised exercise programme for patients diagnosed with intermittent claudication. Masters thesis, York St John University.

Preview

Text (Masters by Research thesis) A study to assess the feasibility of implementing a supervised exercise programme for patients diagnosed with intermittent claudication.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (6MB) | Preview

Abstract

Supervised exercise programmes (SEPs) have been demonstrated to improve the symptoms of intermittent claudication (IC) in individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and are endorsed as a primary treatment approach by numerous national and international clinical guidelines.
Nevertheless, the adoption of SEPs remains limited. This thesis describes a project aimed at implementing and evaluating a SEP for people with IC in York, England.

The York Claudication Exercise Service was launched in October 2023 as a collaboration between York St John University and York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Eligible patients referred from York Hospital’s vascular clinics participated in a 12-week programme with two, one hour, group-based sessions per week. Baseline and exit assessments measured walking capacity, and quality of life. There was a descriptive analysis of the quantitative data, and a summary of the qualitative feedback gathered from participants to provide additional insights into patient experiences.

By May 2024, 109 IC patients had been identified; 40 had accepted the SEP option, and 29 had commenced exercise sessions. The exercises sessions were delivered as intended, and the median attendance was 19 of 24 sessions. Of 22 participants completing exit assessments, 59% reported improvement in IC symptoms. Pain-free walking distance (PFWD) increased by a mean of 97 metres (95% confidence interval (CI): 18 to 175). Most participants rated the SEP as “good” or “excellent”. Barriers to implementation included inconsistent referral behaviour of vascular consultants, and logistical issues like transportation and distance to travel to the venue affecting participation.

Overall, the study demonstrated the service was delivered as intended in accordance with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance. Participants were satisfied with the service and valued playing an active role in managing their condition. Agreements have been made to continue the service for 2 years. During this time, funding will be sought to sustain the service, and it will be adapted to facilitate wider access and greater uptake.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Status:	Published
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV0201 Physical education and training
School/Department:	School of Science, Technology and Health
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/12308

University Staff: Request a correction | RaY Editors: Update this record