HIGH VS. LOW TENS AND GRADED EXERCISES: A PILOT STUDY ON PAIN AND FUNCTIONALABILITY IN PAD INDIVUDUALS

Introduction And Purpose: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a progressive atherosclerotic condition causing insufficient blood flow to the lower extremities. Patients with PAD experience pain and cramping during ambulation due to intermittent claudication, affecting exercise performance, walking ability, and quality of life. This study aims to compare the effects of High and Low TENS and graded exercises on reducing pain and increasing walking distance in individuals with Grade II and III PAD. Methodology: This pilot study at SVIMS hospital included 20 individuals aged 30-60 years with medically managed PAD, an ABI below 0.9, and Leriche-Fontaine classification stage II. They were randomized into Group A(High TENS and graded exercises) and Group B (Low TENS and graded exercises). Baseline measurements of height, weight, BMI, six-minute walk test distance, and VAS scale claudication pain were recorded. Follow-up measurements were taken after 1 month. Results: ANOVAwas used to analyze the data. All continuous data are described using mean (SE), with a P-value of <0.05 considered statistically significant. Group Ashowed a significant reduction in pain in the first and third months and a significant increase in walking distance in the third month. Conclusion: High TENS and graded exercises effectively reduce pain and increase walking distance in individuals with PAD treated medically.