Functional independence measure in patients with intermittent claudication Medida de independencia funcional en pacientes con claudicación intermitente

Objective: of this study were to evaluate the functional independence of patients with intermittent claudication and to verify its association with sociodemographic and clinical variables, walking ability and physical activity level. Method: This was a descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. Fifty participants (66.4 years; 68% male) were recruited from Claudication Unit of a tertiary hospital. Functional Independence Measure were used to evaluate functional incapacity; the Baltimore Activity Scale, to estimate the physical activity level and the Walking Impairement Questionnaire, the walking ability. Results: Participants had complete functional independence (124.8 ± 2.0), low levels of physical activity (4.2 ± 2.0), and impairment of walking ability; the worst performance was found in walking velocity domain (21.2 ± 16.4). The functional independence score was associated with physical activity (r=0,402) and walking ability scores (distance, r=0,485; speed, r=0,463; stairs, r=0,337). Conclusion: In conclusion, the level of functionality is associated with functional capacity in these patients.