This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to evaluate the physical and physiological demands, the feasibility and the health, physical fitness and disease-specific outcomes of a progressive recreational team handball-based programme in patients with lower extremity peripheral arterial disease and intermittent claudication. The primary outcomes will be changes in functional capacity, assessed by the 6-minute walk test. Participants will be randomized to either a 24-week progressive team handball-based intervention or a usual care control group, with assessments performed at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks post intervention to evaluate health, physical fitness, and disease- specific outcomes.
60-80-year-old males
Diagnosed with stage II LEPAD secondary to arteriosclerosis
Ankle-brachial index < 0.90 in one or both lower limbs
With or without former revascularization surgery
Diagnosed with stage I, III or IV LEPAD
Advanced retinopathy or kidney failure
Incapability to grab a ball
Other cardiovascular disease (heart failure, atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, unstable angina or other uncontrolled arrhythmias, obstructive coronary disease, acquired or advance heart block)