Motivating physical Activity with a walking exercise behaViour change intervention and Electrical stimulation Remotely in people with Intermittent Claudication (MAvERIC): a feasibility randomised controlled trial.

This project aims to assess the feasibility of a telehealth walking-based behaviour change intervention (MOSAIC), combined with non-pharmacological pain management using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), to enhance physical activity in NHS patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and intermittent claudication (IC).

Secondary prevention of adverse cardiovascular events (ACVEs) is a staple in guideline-based care, as they face a significantly higher risk of mortality compared to age and sex-matched controls, equal to or greater than that of coronary artery disease. Exercise and physical activity are independent predictors of ACVEs, and a cornerstone in secondary prevention, with estimated risk reductions of 50% to 68% for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. However, patients often struggle to adopt and adhere to exercise regimens due to IC-related limb pain. and accessibility to exercise classes or healthcare professionals for guidance.

Recently, in-person MOSAIC delivery has shown feasibility, acceptability, and improvements in walking capacity. Additionally, laboratory studies indicate that TENS can enhance pain-free and total walking capacity. Hence, this project proposes a telehealth MOSAIC program paired with an affordable TENS device as a solution to overcome these barriers and increase physical activity.