Purpose: The authors report the results of a Bayesian network metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing supervised exercise therapy (SET) alone, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) alone, or a combination of SET and PTA for the treatment of intermittent claudication. Material and methods: Medical databases were searched with the PRISMA statement, and 39 RCTs (including five 3-arm studies) comprising 2,983 patients with a 12-month median follow-up (range, 3-24 months) were analyzed in total. Outcome measures included improvements in the maximal walking distance capacity (MWD; meters on treadmill) and quality of life (QoL; SF-36 and EQ-5D instruments) compared with the best medical therapy (BMT) as the anchor control treatment. Bayesian random effects models were employed (WinBUGS). Results: There were significant improvements in MWD with PTA (+85m, 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 was the best treatment with an MWD difference over SET of +110m (95%CrI: +16 to +200). QoL 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. Conclusion: 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.