Dr. Babak Shadgan leads study exploring blood flow restriction training for strength building in people with spinal cord injury

A study led by Dr. Babak Shadgan at Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute explored how blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise can help individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) build muscle strength using lighter weights. The method, commonly used by athletes, was tested on 10 SCI participants over an eight-week period.

“We found that low-intensity exercise with BFR shows promise as a means for people with SCI to build muscle strength and achieve greater quality of life.” — Dr. Babak Shadgan, Assistant Professor, UBC Department of Orthopaedics

Researchers used a personalized tourniquet system to partially restrict blood flow in one arm while participants performed wrist-curl exercises. Compared to their control arm, participants gained more muscle strength in the BFR-trained arm, showing that this approach may be a viable alternative to traditional strength training, which often carries a higher risk of injury.

Many participants also reported improvements in their daily activities, such as pushing a wheelchair or handling objects. The study team is now working on a home-based BFR system that could allow people with SCI to train with remote support from physical therapists.

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