That phrase “no pain, no gain” might truly apply to people with peripheral artery disease (PAD), a new study finds.
Researchers found that people with PAD who walked at pace that caused discomfort or even pain improved their walking ability.
“Exercise that induces leg pain is beneficial, though difficult,” said senior author Dr. Mary McDermott, a professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.
“We now are working to identify interventions that can make the higher intensity exercise easier — and still beneficial — for people with PAD,” she said.
PAD occurs when the arteries that transport blood from the heart throughout the body narrow, reducing blood and oxygen flow. It can cause cramping, weakness, fatigue, and aching and pain in the legs and feet while walking. Symptoms subside after about 10 minutes of rest….