Peripherla arterial disease, (PAD) a common, often progressive systematic vascular disease results in reduced blood flow capactity to the limbs. Impaired blood flow to lower limb musculature, depending on severity, is associated with reduced tolerance to ambulatory activity, restricted daily mobility, and promotes higher levels of sedentary behaviors. Importantly, the presence of PAD is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and lower quality of life. While the cardiovascular benefits from repeated bouts of moderate or greater intensity physical activity are fairly well established for older sedentary adults, far less is presently understood regarding the roles of daily lifestyle light to moderate intensity physical activity and sedentary behaviors in individuals with PAD. The consequences of low levels of physical activity in combination with high levels of sedentary behavior involving older adults with PAD are posited to negatively influence cardiovascular health. Additionally, reduced ambulatory capacities and reduced mobility may negatively influence quality of life. The magnitudes of lower limb complications and physical symptoms associated with PAD vary but a significant percentage of older adults with PAD are completely asymptomatic. However, similar to PAD who experience lower limb symptoms, those who are asymptomatic, (APAD) demonstrate significant increases in cardiovascular mortality along with increased sedentarism, lower levels of physical activity, and lower health related quality of life. To improve out understanding surrounding the associations of arterial health and wellness in individuals with APAD an interventional study was completed. Thirty-eight subjects with APAD were randomized to an attention control group or a physical activity and sedentary behavior reduction intervention for 12 weeks. Physical activity behaviors were measured for seven continuous days pre- and post-intervention using the ActivPAL device and through self-report using the 7-day Sedentary and Light Intensity Physical Activity instrument. Arterial health was also measured pre- and post-intervention using the EndoPAT system for measures of arterial compliance and endothelial reactivity. Additionally, all subjects underwent measurement of perceived wellness using the Wellness Evaluation of Life instrument at baseline and following the intervention.
