The efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on the improvement of walking distance in patients with peripheral arterial disease with intermittent claudication: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial: the TENS-PAD study

Table 2 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria	Unilateral Leriche-Fontaine stage-II PAD, admitted to a cardiovascular rehabilitation unit Men or women Aged 18 to 85 years Able to take part in an outpatient rehabilitation programme Clinically stable Sedentary Provided informed consent to participate in the study
Exclusion criteria	Age >85 years Ward of court Walking disorders related to orthopaedic or neuromuscular disease Participation in a structured physical reconditioning programme in the month before the study Renal insufficiency requiring dialysis Known and documented myopathy Progressive cancer Associated progressive disease causing a deterioration in general health Participation in another research protocol Skin disorder making it impossible to use TENS Absolute contraindication to physical activity Presence of a pacemaker/defibrillator

PAD peripheral arterial disease, TENS transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

ISSN: 1745-6215