Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) which is also called the leg blood-vessel blockage is prevalent in most parts of the world today. In accordance to the US-government funded study, most sufferers of PAD do not experience any pain which is considered the first symptom of the disease. 156 people participated in the study and the results showed that frequent six minute walks on the treadmill would improve their quality of life to a great extent.

The results of this study were published in the January 14th issue of the Journal of American Medical Association. Over the period of six months of this study, patients who walked regularly for six minutes a day saw an increase in the walking distance by approximately 69 feet at the same time as those who didn’t walk frequently saw a decrease of 49 feet.

Exercise conditions led to an increased oxygen extraction from the blood. The muscles in turn make better use of the blood flow and the release of oxygen that comes from it. However, it is quite difficult to measure such a blood flow amongst the patients.