Motivational Interviewing Can Be Used to Treat Peripheral Arterial Disease

The narrowing or blockage of the veins that transport blood from the heart to the legs is known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The accumulation of fatty plaque in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, is the primary reason for the condition. PAD may affect any artery, however, it affects the legs more often than the arms. Walking can benefit individuals with PAD. And a study has shown that motivational interviewing (MI) methods can encourage individuals with PAD to walk.

Patients with PAD benefit from walking because it improves their ability to function. The above-mentioned study was done to examine the effectiveness of a smartphone app in increasing walking distance and boosting weight reduction in overweight/obese individuals with PAD, compared to the effectiveness of motivational interviewing.

Researchers at the University of Kansas performed a 3-month, randomized study consisting of 29 participants. The participants’ average age was 66. A BMI greater than 27 and symptomatic PAD were both required for inclusion in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an MI group where in-person and telephone counseling was used or an app group where a mobile smartphone app was used.

Both treatment approaches promoted walking, for exercise, and good eating habits (increasing fruits and vegetables and whole grains while reducing fat and sugary drinks). At the start of the study, the researchers looked at the participants' medical history. A baseline assessment was made to determine how far a participant could walk in 6 minutes, along with a determination of each participant’s weight, quality of life, exercise practices, and eating habits. The participants were assessed again at three months.

After 3 months, the MI participants increased their 6-minute walking distance by 40 meters, while the app participants' increase in their 6-minute walking distance was not statistically significant. And the weight loss for the MI participants was 10.1 lbs., while the app participants lost about 2.3 lbs. There were no statistically significant changes in quality of life, exercise routines, or food habits when comparing baseline to 3 months for either the MI group or the app group.

The researchers concluded that that MI may help overweight/obese persons, with PAD, exercise more and lose weight. Healthcare providers may want to look at the results of the study. MI is a very powerful treatment tool. And while the above study was a small study, becoming familiar with MI and employing MI can benefit PAD patients who are overweight or obese.

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