1. We recommend as first-line therapy a supervised exercise program consisting of walking a minimum of three times per week (30-60 min/session) for at least 12 weeks to all suitable patients with IC (Grade 1, Level A).
  2. We recommend home-based exercise, with a goal of at least 30 minutes of walking three to five times per week when a supervised exercise program is unavailable or for long-term benefit after a supervised exercise program is completed (Grade 1, Level B).
  3. In patients who have undergone revascularization therapy for IC, we recommend exercise (either supervised or home based) for adjunctive functional benefits (Grade 1, Level B).
  4. We recommend that patients with IC be followed up annually to assess compliance with lifestyle measures (smoking cessation, exercise) and medical therapies as well as to determine if there is evidence of progression in symptoms or signs of PAD. Yearly ABI testing may be of value to provide objective evidence of disease progression (Grade 1, Level C).

ABI, Ankle-brachial index; IC, intermittent claudication; PAD, peripheral arterial disease.