Abstract
Patients with peripheral arterial insufficiency are commonly presented by cramping or leg muscles pain during walking that is relieved by rest. In advanced condition there is rest pain in feet and toes. This study was conducted to investigate and compare between polarized light therapy versus aerobic exercise program on walking impairment questionnaire in peripheral arterial insufficiency patients. Forty males suffering from intermittent claudication because of peripheral arterial insufficiency were selected. Their ages were ranged from 40 to 50 years old. They were divided randomly into two groups: Exercise group and light therapy group. The exercise group consisted of 20 males who were treated with aerobic exercise program (treadmill exercise program), 3 times/week for two months. Each session lasted for 45-60 minutes, in addition to their medical treatment. The Light therapy group consisted of 20 males who received their medical treatment and received 20 min session of light therapy three times/week for two months. Walking impairment questionnaire (distance score, speed score, and symptoms of walking impairment) were assessed pre and post treatment for both groups. The results showed within group significant improvement in both groups in all measured variables. Significant differences were reported between groups post treatment in distance score and speed score,. So, it could be concluded that there is a good effect of aerobic exercise and polarized light therapy on walking impairment questionnaire in patients with peripheral arterial insufficiency.