THE USE OF THE WALKING IMPAIRMENT QUESTIONNAIRE (WIQ) IN PATIENTS WITH LOWER LIMB ISCHEMIA STAGE IIB ACCORDING TO THE FONTAINE CLASSIFICATION

Abstract Chronic lower limb ischemia significantly impairs the everyday functioning of the patient as it progresses. Patients complain of the inability to walk longer distances, climb stairs or walk briskly. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of chronic lower limb ischemia on the long-term results measured using the Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ), as well as to establish a relationship between our results and selected variables, i.e. BMI (Body Mass Index), ICD (Intermittent Claudication Index), ACD (Absolute Claudication Index) and gender. Materials and Methods. The research group consisted of 50 individuals diagnosed with lower limb ischemia stage IIb according to the Fontaine classification. All of the patients experienced intermittent claudication after walking a distance of less than 200 m. The mean age was 64,4±6,0 years for men (n=38) and 62,7±6,9 years for women (n=12). BMI for both sexes was 27,1±4,1 kg/m². The study used the WIQ questionnaire, which consists of 21 items and evaluates walking speed, walking distance and stair climbing. In order to obtain information concerning gender, age and BMI of the patients, an original survey was created and distributed. In addition, the patients were evaluated using the treadmill stress test, which helps to determine the severity of claudication among patients. Results. Our research showed no correlation between the WIQ score and the gender of the patient. A statistically significant correlation was found between ICD, ACD and WIQ scores (rho=0,760, rho=0,770). No relationship was observed between the BMI and WIQ score (p=0,612). Scores in the individual WIQ domains strongly correlated with the total score obtained in the questionnaire. Conclusions. The WIQ questionnaire proved to be a reliable tool for assessing motor function and disorders in patients with chronic lower limb ischemia. The results of the treadmill stress test complied with the score of the questionnaire. There was no correlation between the WIQ score and gender, as well as with the BMI of the patients