Joanna Szymańska, Krzysztof Czupryna, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Renata Szczepaniak
J. Szymańska, K. Czupryna, O. Nowotny-Czupryna, R. Szczepaniak. High-tone power therapy as an alternative to walking training in people with intermittent claudication. FP 2017; 17(3); 112-120
Abstract
Introduction. The main symptom of the CLEI impairing walking ability and functioning of the patient is intermittent claudication. The predominant form of the physical therapy during this ischaemic period is physical training, which, due to the frequent occurrence of co-morbidities, can only be taken by 25-50% of patients. Therefore, other ways of relieving symptoms associated with the CLEI have been sought. Perhaps, an alternative method might be may the high-tone power therapy, which can start the muscle pump without negative effects of contraindicated for physical exertion.
The aim of the study was to determine whether the high-tone power therapy could be an alternative for walking training on a treadmill, especially for people with contraindication for intensive physical activity.
Material and methodology 68 patients diagnosed with CLEI in the age of 40-70 were examined in 2 groups: A-main and B-control. Functional possibilities were evaluated in the area of the walking distance and the maximum walking distance in a standard treadmill test. The results obtained were compared with the literature on the increment of these distance after the physical training. Group A patients were subjected to a series sessions of high-tone power therapy; group B patients had those treatments simulated.
Results In group A, patients significantly prolonged the claudication distance and maximal walking distance. Also, significant reduction in pain duration was noticed after discontinuation of the treatment.
Conclusions The high-tone power therapy may be an alternative to walking training for patients with the CLEI, especially in those patients with a very short claudication distance and in those whose greater effort is not indicated.
Key words:
high-tone power therapy (HiToP), chronic lower extremity ischaemia (CLEI), intermittent claudication, walking training, chronic lower limb ischaemia
