Self-reported assessment of walking impairment and physical activity in patients with peripheral artery disease: a narrative review

Introduction: Lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients often experience walking impairment and reduced physical activity levels. Several self-reported assessment tools have been developed to measure these outcomes.Objective: This narrative review summarizes the evidence on methods used to measure self-reported walking impairment and physical activity in PAD patients. Methods: A literature search was performed analyzing the self-reported instruments to avaluate walking impairment and physical activity in PAD patients. Results: Among the questionnaires available, the Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) and Walking-Estimated Limitation Calculated by History (WELCH) questionnaires stand out as valuable tools for self-reported evaluation of walking impairment. Also, the Peripheral Artery Questionnaire (PAQ) measures patient-reported outcomes related to walking capacity, health status, and quality of life, supporting the assessment of functional limitations caused by the disease. The Baltimore Activity Scale for Intermittent Claudication (BASIC) questionnaire provides information on physical activity, particularly in settings lacking movement sensors. Conclusion: The questionnaires can provide additional insights to a more comprehensive evaluation of limitations suffered by patients PAD.