Identification of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Categories for Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease

Published on July 1, 2014 by Vyskocil E, Gruther W, Steiner I, Schuhfried O

Key Takeaway

This study identifies key ICF categories for peripheral arterial disease, linking physiological markers to muscle endurance, and patient-reported quality of life to emotional and daily functional factors.

Vyskocil E., Gruther W., Steiner I., Schuhfried O.. (2014). Identification of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Categories for Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease. https://doi.org/10.1097/phm.0000000000000063

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What this study found

Researchers analyzed 77 patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) to identify which International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) categories best align with objective physiological measures and patient-reported outcomes. They found that the ankle-brachial index (ABI)—a standard objective vascular measure—was significantly associated with ICF categories for blood vessel functions and muscle endurance functions. Conversely, patient-reported health status, measured via the Peripheral Artery Questionnaire (PAQ), was strongly linked to emotional functions, energy and drive functions, carrying out daily routine, and walking.

Why it matters

For rehabilitation clinicians, these findings highlight a crucial clinical reality: objective vascular metrics like ABI do not fully capture a patient’s daily lived experience or psychological burden. While physical training must target muscle endurance to improve physiological capacity, comprehensive PAD rehabilitation programs must also address psychological well-being, energy levels, and daily task execution. Utilizing these specific ICF categories allows multidisciplinary teams to design more holistic, patient-centered rehabilitation plans and track outcomes that directly impact the patient’s quality of life.

Limitations

This study relied on a relatively small retrospective cohort of 77 patients and adapted the ICF Brief Core Sets originally designed for ischemic heart diseases rather than a dedicated, PAD-specific set. Larger, prospective validation studies are needed to confirm these relationships across diverse PAD severities.

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