Association between comorbidity conditions and unhealthy habits and walking capacity in patients with intermittent claudication

Abstract

Comorbid conditions and unhealthy habits, such as smoking and physical inactivity, are commonly observed in patients with intermittent claudication (IC). However, the impact of these factors on walking impairment in IC patients remains uncertain. Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze the association between comorbid conditions and non-healthy habits and walking capacity in subjects with IC. Sixty-six men and women with IC were recruited. Subjects underwent a treadmill test in which claudication time (CT) and total walking time (TWT) were obtained. An interview was performed and comorbid conditions and unhealthy habits were obtained. Univariate linear regression was employed for statistical analysis (p < 0.05). The most prevalent comorbid condition was hypertension (86.4%). Among unhealthy habits physical inactivity was the most prevalent (47.0%). Moreover, 90.9% of the subjects had 2 or more comorbid conditions and/or unhealthy habits. Physical inactivity was associated with decreased CT (β = -154 s; p = 0.02; IC95% = -283;-25 s) and TWT (β = -189 s; p = 0.02; IC95% = -384; -29 s). Furthermore, a higher number of factors were associated with lower CT (β = -55 s; p = 0.02; IC95% = -102; -8 s). In conclusion, the results showed that physical inactivity and number of comorbid condition and/or unhealthy habits are associated to walking impairment in subjects with IC