The National Heart Foundation Strategic Grant 2020

Reducing adverse events and improve quality of life of people with blocked leg arteries

1 million Australians have blocked leg arteries causing substantial leg pain, walking impairment and reduced quality of life and leading to a high risk of heart attack, stroke, hospital admission, amputation and death. Prior clinical trials have demonstrated that a range of secondary prevention treatments including medications and exercise therapy can substantially reduce the risk of adverse events and improve quality of life and physical function. The previous research done by Prof Golledge’s team at James Cook University shows that these treatments are not effectively implemented.

supervised exercise session

Prof Golledge’s team have developed a holistic medical and rehabilitation program (PAD-medical) that consists of personalised treatment sessions delivered via telehealth to monitor control of key risk factors, optimise prescribed medications, supervise exercise and provide behaviour support counselling. This randomised-controlled trial will test the efficacy of PAD-medical in achieving reduction in cardiovascular risk and improving quality of life and physical performance in people with blocked leg arteries. The trial will include a health economic assessment. The trial aims to identify an implementable means to improve risk factor control in a high risk population.

If you are interested in finding out more about this project please contact 

Chief Investigator Prof Jon Golledge via jonathan.golledge@jcu.edu.au or 

Research Fellow Dr Aaron Drovandi  aaron.drovandi@jcu.edu.au