Intermittent Pneumatic Compression With and Without Exercise to Improve Functioning in Peripheral Artery Disease

Walking exercise is first-line therapy for PAD. However, many PAD patients are unable or unwilling to exercise. Therefore, in people with PAD, the investigators will determine whether intermittent pneumatic compression augments the benefits of exercise and whether intermittent pneumatic compression alone improves walking performance compared to sham control. The investigators will conduct a randomized trial (2 x 2 factorial design) of 230 PAD participants randomized to one of four groups: Group A: intermittent pneumatic compression + exercise; Group B: intermittent pneumatic compression+ "no exercise" control; Group C: sham control + exercise; and Group D: sham control + "no exercise" control. The intermittent pneumatic compression and sham interventions will be delivered for six months. The primary outcome is change in six-minute walk distance at 6-month follow-up. In secondary aims, the investigators will determine whether the benefits of intermittent pneumatic compression persist even after intermittent pneumatic compression is discontinued and delineate mechanisms by which intermittent pneumatic compression affects walking performance, by measuring changes in MRI-measured calf muscle perfusion and physical activity. The investigators will determine whether intermittent pneumatic compression improves systemic endothelial function, by measuring changes in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD).