Peripheral artery disease research | University of Stirling
We study how people live with PAD, and how to build better, fairer systems of care. Our work spans patient experience, service design and implementation science.
Connecting research, rehabilitation and better care for PAD
3M+
people with PAD in the UK
50%
may have no symptoms
1 in 5
people over 60 affected
Figures are approximate. Sources listed on the Resources section.
For people living with PAD
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common condition affecting the blood vessels that supply the legs and feet. Fatty deposits build up inside the arteries, narrow them and reduce blood flow. PAD is closely linked to smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It is common, often missed, and strongly linked to social and economic disadvantage.
The most common symptom is cramping or aching leg pain, usually in the calves, when walking. It eases with rest. This is called intermittent claudication. Some people have no symptoms at all. In more advanced cases, pain can happen at rest and wounds on the feet or legs can be slow to heal.
The recommended first-line treatment for intermittent claudication is supervised exercise therapy: a structured walking programme guided by a trained professional, usually a physiotherapist. It improves walking distance and quality of life. Treatment also usually includes stopping smoking, medication for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, and lifestyle advice. Some people need a procedure to improve blood flow.
Despite strong evidence, supervised exercise therapy is not routinely available across most of the UK. Many areas have no service, or have long waits, or services that are hard to reach without transport or outside working hours. That gap is what our research is about.
If you are worried about your legs, speak to your GP or practice nurse. Early diagnosis helps slow PAD and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
What we are working on
Our work spans patient experience, service design, implementation science and clinical trials. All of it is aimed at improving access to effective care for people with PAD, especially in underserved communities.
Programme grant
In developmentA research programme to develop, evaluate and prepare for national scale-up a community-based rehabilitation network for people with PAD. Inspired by the Dutch ClaudicatioNet model, it will co-design a UK-adapted service, test it in a feasibility trial, and build the implementation and sustainability infrastructure needed for long-term adoption. Led by the University of Stirling with York St John University and NHS partners in Scotland and England. Central to the programme is an equity-by-design approach, so the people most likely to benefit from rehabilitation are the ones most likely to be reached by it.
Qualitative research
Under reviewReflexive thematic analysis of how people experience living with PAD, including daily life, healthcare interactions, self-management and access to treatment. Five themes were identified, with equity and access to information and resources central. Currently under review for publication in the Journal of Vascular Nursing.
Service design
PlannedA collaborative project to develop a national service specification for PAD rehabilitation, including an equity-by-design standard, an implementation framework drawing on Normalisation Process Theory and CFIR, and a system mapping protocol. It underpins the wider POST-IT-PAD programme.
Feasibility trial
Published, BMJ Open 2025Tested the feasibility of pain management and patient education to increase physical activity in people with intermittent claudication. The results provide a foundation for POST-IT-PAD.
Interested in collaborating or taking part in research?
Get in touchFor patients, carers and professionals
Trustworthy, evidence-based resources for people living with PAD, their carers and healthcare professionals. All external links go to established organisations and are for information only. If you are worried about your health, speak to your GP or healthcare team.
The researcher
Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy, University of Stirling, Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport
Chris is a clinical academic physiotherapist whose research focuses on improving the lives of people with PAD and other long-term conditions. His work spans the development, adaptation and evaluation of complex interventions, with a particular interest in equity, implementation science and community-based rehabilitation. He is Principal Investigator of POST-IT-PAD, a programme to develop a national community rehabilitation network for PAD in the UK.
Get in touch
We welcome contact from people living with PAD, healthcare professionals, researchers, commissioners and members of the public.
[email protected]
University of Stirling, Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport
View Chris Seenan's profile
Please do not include sensitive personal health information in your message. If you have a clinical concern, contact your GP or healthcare team.