Walking and cycling tests in neurogenic and intermittent claudication.

The walking and cycling tolerance of 19 patients with neurogenic claudication and 11 with intermittent claudication was assessed, first in the upright and then in 30 degrees of flexion, repeating the tests on a second day. The flexed posture improved the walking and cycling distance, respectively, in 11 and six patients with neurogenic claudication. In two of the 11 patients, this posture significantly improved by more than 100% of both walking and cycling distances. In addition, one patient had claudication pain when he was walking, but could cycle unlimited distance. Only one of the patients with intermittent claudication could walk or cycle further in the flexed position. Although some patients with neurogenic claudication increase their walking distance by flexing forwards, we conclude that posture-related walking and cycling are insufficiently sensitive tests to distinguish between neurogenic and intermittent claudication.