Tele-assessment and Face-to-face Assessment of the 30-second Sit-stand Test in Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a chronic and progressive condition caused by narrowing or blockage of arteries in the lower limbs due to atherosclerosis. It primarily affects adults over 50, with prevalence increasing with age, and its clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic cases to severe ischemia that may require amputation. Intermittent claudication, characterized by exercise-induced leg pain that resolves with rest, is the most common early symptom. Impaired blood flow, poor vascularization, and muscle loss contribute to reduced lower limb strength and functional capacity, which are associated with higher morbidity and mortality.

Walking exercises is a cornerstone of PAD management, particularly for patients with no or mild symptoms, making the assessment of lower limb strength and mobility essential for designing rehabilitation programs. The 30-second sit-to-stand test is a validated and practical measure of functional capacity and walking ability. Tele-assessment using video technology has been shown to be feasible and reliable in other patient populations. Although tele-rehabilitation has been widely studied and shown to improve functional outcomes, research on tele-assessment methods to accurately evaluate patient performance and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs is still limited, particularly in PAD patients.

This study aims to examine the reliability of the 30-second sit-to-stand test when performed via tele-assessment compared with face-to-face evaluation in patients with PAD.