Relationship Between Disease Specific Quality of Life Measures, Physical Performance, and Activity in People with Intermittent Claudication Caused by Peripheral Artery Disease

Objective: The aims of this study were firstly to assess the correlation between disease specific measures of quality of life (QOL) and physical performance and activity, and secondly to identify demographic, clinical, functional, and physical activity measures independently associated with QOL in people with intermittent claudication. Methods: This was a cross sectional observational study of 198 people with intermittent claudication caused by peripheral artery disease who were recruited prospectively. QOL was assessed with the intermittent claudication questionnaire (ICQ) and the eight-theme peripheral artery disease quality of life questionnaire. Physical performance was assessed with the six minute walk test (6MWT) and short physical performance battery (SPPB), and an accelerometer was used to measure seven day step count. The associations between QOL scores and 6MWT distance, SPPB scores and seven day step count were examined using Spearman Rho's (rho) correlation and multivariable linear regression. Results: ICQ scores were significantly correlated with 6MWT distance (rho = 0.472, p < .001), all four SPPB scores (balance rho = 0.207, p = .003; gait speed rho = 0.303, p < .001; chair stand rho = 0.167, p = .018; total rho = 0.265, p < .001), and seven day step count (rho = 0.254, p < .001). PADQOL social relationships and interactions (rho = 0.343, p < .001) and symptoms and limitations in physical functioning (rho = 0.355, p < .001) themes were correlated with 6MWT distance. The 6MWT distance was independently positively associated with ICQ and both PADQOL theme scores (ICQ: B 0.069, p < .001; PADQOL social relationships and interactions: B 0.077, p < .001; PADQOL symptoms and limitations in physical functioning: B 0.069, p < .001). Conclusion: Longer 6MWT distance independently predicted better physical and social aspects of QOL in people with intermittent claudication supporting its value as an outcome measure.