An ICT-Based Wearable Device Enhances Physical Function in Patients with Arteriosclerosis Obliterans: A 12-Week Intervention Study (Preprint)
Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: BACKGROUND Claudication, a characteristic manifestation of ASO, results from diminished blood flow due to arterial constriction. Engaging in a daily routine comprising moderate-to-vigorous physical activities (MVPAs) for a minimum of 30 min has been thoroughly substantiated as a viable strategy for preventing and managing cardiovascular pathologies. The body of academic research focusing on the enhancement of claudication gait using ICT-integrated wearable monitoring interventions is remarkably limited. OBJECTIVE This study examined the effects of a 12-week supervised exercise regimen employing an information and communication technology (ICT)-enabled wearable device on the physical functionality of individuals diagnosed with arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO). METHODS In total, 52 participants (30 individuals with ASO and 22 healthy controls) were recruited and evaluated for grip strength, 6-min walk test (6MWT) distance, gait speed, five times sit-to-stand test, quality of life (World Health Organization quality-of-life assessment), and cognitive capability (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] and Short-Form Geriatric Depression Scale). RESULTS Machine learning analysis revealed that gait speed and 6MWT distance were the most significant predictors of ASO. The intervention cohort exhibited noteworthy improvements in gait speed (from 1.09±0.18 to 1.14±0.16 m/s) and 6MWT distance (from 405.70±87.86 to 448.00±69.07 m) compared with the control group. The intervention cohort sustained moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels exceeding 40 min/day, whereas the control group showed a decline from 30 min/day to 20 min/day. The adjusted models corroborated the significant disparities in gait speed, MMSE score, and 6MWT distance between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the ICT-based wearable device can efficiently facilitate and maintain MVPA levels in patients with ASO, culminating in enhanced gait functionality and diminished claudication symptoms. This methodology may offer a scalable framework for the remote rehabilitation of individuals with mobility-restricting vascular disorders. CLINICALTRIAL UMIN000059090
Authors: Gwon-Min Kim, Jaewon Choi, Changsung Han, Jong-Hwan Park, Up Huh
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W7084047469