Professional Practice Guide -FCSV-EN

24 Professional Practice Guide 4. Lifestyle and Physical Activity Management ↪ Arm cycle ergometer (arm bike) An arm cycle ergometer is a useful alternative for patients who are unable to walk or use a stationary bike. Studies have shown that arm cycling can lead to improvements such as increased maximum and pain-free walking distance, reductions in systolic blood pressure, and improved cardiorespiratory fitness.⁶–⁸ Although no single exercise protocol has been shown to be superior, the following recommendations are suggested for structuring an arm cycling program: • Shorter exercise intervals (1 to 3 minutes) • Cadence of 40 to 60 revolutions per minute • Gradual increase in intensity or duration Each session should begin with a warm-up and end with a cool-down. ↪ Pain-free walking Patients should stop as soon as claudication symptoms appear. Pain-free walking may be more acceptable for some individuals who tolerate walking with pain poorly, and may also lead to better adherence and improved long-term outcomes.⁹ Ӌ Arm cycle ergometer for home use Exercise sessions should begin with a warm-up and end with a cool-down.