BACKGROUND: Individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD) have reduced levels of physical activity. Studies on this theme have important methodological differences that vary in relation to the characteristics of the individuals, the instruments used to measure physical activity, the strategies employed to their classified level of physical activity and outcome measures. OBJECTIVE: To describe physical activity level of individuals with PAD and to analyze the influence of physical activity level in healthy markers in these patients. METHODS: Systematic review of original studies published, up to 2010 in MEDLINE, LILACS, and SciELO databases. RESULTS: Of the 16 articles included in this review, 94% were published from the year 2000. The method more used for quantification of the levels of physical activity was the accelerometer. It was verified lower physical activity level among the individuals with PAD in comparison with individuals without the disease. Among individuals with PAD, highest levels of physical activity were associated with better hemorheological, hemodynamic, and body composition indicators. CONCLUSION: Individuals with PAD have lower levels of physical activity than individuals without the disease. Among individuals with the disease, those who are more physically active have better health markers.
peripheral arterial disease; motor activity; review
