The authors report the results of a Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing supervised exercise therapy alone (SET), percutaneous tranluminal angioplasty (PTA) alone, or a combination of SET and PTA for the treatment of intermittent claudication. Medical databases were searched with the PRISMA statement and 39 RCTs (including five 3-arm studies) comprising 2,983 patients with 12 months median followup (range, 3e24 months) were analysed in total. Outcome measures included improvements of Maximal Walking Distance capacity (MWD; meters on treadmill) and Quality of Life (QoL; SF-36 and EQ-5D instruments) compared to best medical therapy (BMT) as the anchor control treatment. Bayesian random effects models were employed (WinBUGS). There were significant improvements of MWD with PTA (+85 m, 95%CrI: +4 to +170), SET (+180m, 95%CrI: +130 to +230) and PTA+SET (+290m, 95%CrI: +180 to +390). SET was better than PTA alone (MWD difference +85m, 95%CrI: +16 to +170). PTA+SET were the best treatment with an MWD difference over SET of +110m (95%CrI: +16 to +200). Quality of life was significantly and strongly improved only in case of PTA+SET (QoL Cohen's d standardized effect size 1.8; 95% CrI: 0.21 to 3.4). Results were stable on sensitivity and consistency analyses without any significant publication bias. Healthcare systems need to invest in supervised exercise programmes as the first standalone treatment for intermittent claudication and in order to augment the results of peripheral revascularization.