VDF announces launch of new PAD exercise training toolkit for health professionals

The Vascular Disease Foundation (VDF) announced the launch of its new "Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Exercise Training Toolkit: A Guide for Health Care Professionals." This toolkit was developed jointly by the Vascular Disease Foundation (VDF) and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) and may be accessed online at www.vdf.org/rehab-toolkit/index.php

This valuable new resource is now available to help health professionals develop supervised exercise programs for patients with intermittent claudication (leg discomfort from poor blood supply). Clinical practice guidelines for adults with PAD stress the importance of supervised exercise to improve functional capacity, decrease symptoms and achieve systemic risk-reduction benefits.

According to Dr. Marjorie King, chair of the toolkit writing group, a board member of VDF and a past president of AACVPR, "Most physicians recognize the importance of regular supervised exercise to improve symptoms of lower extremity claudication, but they may not be aware that cardiac rehabilitation, medical fitness, and wellness programs in their community can provide these services. The toolkit was developed so that a physician's recommendation of "get out and walk" can be accompanied by a referral to a program that follows evidence-based principles and protocols."

The toolkit includes information for exercise and rehabilitation professionals to implement appropriate and safe supervised exercise programs. It also includes practical tools such as sample brochures plus participant and staff education materials.