Test for the intermittent claudication:

• Intermittent claudication implies arterial insufficiency to the tissue.
• It is most commonly evident when activity occurs because of the increased vascular demand of the tissues.
• There are two types of intermittent claudication – vascular & neurogenic.
• The vascular type is most commonly the result of arteriosclerosis, article embolism, or thrombi – angiitis obliterans & commonly manifests itself with symptoms in the legs.
• The neurogenic type of some times called pseudo claudication/claudaquina syndrome & is commonly associated with spinal stenosis & its effect on circulation to the spinal cord & cauda equina.
• The symptoms, in this case, maybe manifested in the back/sciatic nerve distribution.

Name of the special test of the intermittent claudication

• Bicycle test of van gelderen
• Stoop test
• Treadmill test

Bicycle test of van gelderen:-

• Purpose = This bicycle test of van gelderen is used to determine whether the patient has neurogenic intermittent claudication.

• Technique = the patient is seated position on an exercise bicycle.
• In the test, the patient starts pedaling on the bicycle while leaning backward to accentuate the lumbar lordosis.

• If the patient feels pain in the buttock & posterior thigh which is occurring, followed by tingling in the affected lower extremity means lower limb so that the first part of the test is positive.

• Then the examiner instructs the patient for doing the is the lean forward while continuing to pedal.
• If the pain subsides over a short period, the second part of the test is positive.

• If the second part of the test is positive.

• If the patient sits upright again, the pain returns in staring position.

• The test determines whether the patient has neurogenic intermittent claudication.

Stoop test:-

• Purpose = this stoop test is used to check the assess neurogenic intermittent claudication to determine whether a relationship exists among neurogenic symptoms, posture,&walking.

• Technique = When the patient with neurogenic intermittent claudication walks briskly, pain ensues in the buttock & lower limb within a distance of 50 m [ 165 feet ].

• Result = To relieve the pain, the patient flexes forward.

• These symptoms may also be relieved when the patient is sitting & forward flexing.
• When the flexion movement does not relieve the symptoms, the test is negative.

• An extension may also be used to bring the symptoms back.

Treadmill test:-

• Purpose = this test is also used to check the determine if the patient has intermittent claudication.

• Technique = two trials are conducted – one at 1.2 mph & one at the patient’s preferred walking speed.
• The patient walks upright means no leaning forward or holding handrails is allowed on the treadmill for 15 minutes or until the onset of severe symptom’s[ symptoms that would make the patient stop walking in usual life situations.
• Tme to first symptoms, total ambulatory time,& precipitating symptoms is recorded.