Effect of footplate neuromuscular electrical stimulation on functional and quality‐of‐life parameters in patients with peripheral artery disease: pilot, and subsequent randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Supervised exercise programmes for intermittent claudication have poor access and limited compliance. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may be an effective alternative. A proof-of-concept study and RCT were conducted. METHODS: In study 1, eligible patients underwent baseline assessment; treadmill testing for initial (ICD) and maximum (MCD) claudication distance; EuroQoL Five Dimensions five-level instrument (EQ-5D-5L) and Intermittent Claudication Questionnaire (ICQ) assessment; and measurement of ultrasound haemodynamics of the superficial femoral artery. After familiarization with the NMES device, participants underwent a 30-min session of stimulation with concomitant recording of haemodynamic measures at 15 min, and after device cessation. Measurements were repeated after 6 weeks of daily use of NMES. In study 2, consecutive patients underwent baseline assessment before online randomization to a supervised exercise programme only, or adjunctive NMES treatment for 6 weeks, followed by repeat measurements. RESULTS: Study 1 (20 patients) showed a significant improvement in MCD (46 per cent; P < 0.001) and ICD (71 per cent; P < 0.001). The RCT (42 patients) showed a significant adjunctive benefit of NMES in ICD (46 per cent; P = 0.014). Improvements were seen in the ICQ (9 points; P = 0.009) and EQ-5D-5L (P = 0.007) in study 1, and there was a significant adjunctive benefit of NMES on the ICQ score in patients who did supervised exercise (11.2 points; P = 0.031). Blood volume flow and time-adjusted mean velocity increased significantly with the device on (P < 0.050). Overall, NMES compliance exceeded 95 per cent. CONCLUSION: Footplate NMES significantly improved walking distance in patients with intermittent claudication when used independently and also as an adjunct to supervised exercise. Registration number: trial 1, NCT02436200; trial 2, NCT02429310 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).