Feasibility of Using Blood Flow Restriction Training for Adults with Cerebral Palsy: A Case Comparison

Authors

Erin Simunds EdD, PT, Concordia University, St. PaulFollow
J Fegurgur
A Lundquist
M Heller
S Neumann
C Lindgren

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Introduction

• Cerebral palsy (CP) affects mobility and strength due to spasticity, incoordination, and weakness,¹ making traditional high-load training challenging.
• Blood flow restriction (BFR) training enables increased work and fatigue at a lower load, resulting in adaptations in muscle composition similar to those achieved with high-load training.²
• Despite evidence supporting BFR use in neurological conditions³, limited information exists on how it will benefit young adults with ambulatory CP.^4,5
• Therefore, this study investigated the feasibility of BFR compared to progressive resistance training (PRT) in young adults with ambulatory cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

• Two individuals with spastic CP, both actively engaged in sports and recreation, participated in this case comparison (Table 1).
• Completed two separate sessions of sit-to-stand movements. The first utilized high-load PRT with a weighted vest, while the other employed BFR training.
• Outcome measures included the OMNI Perceived Exertion Scale, the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale, and an adverse symptoms interview.

Results

• Both participants reported similar enjoyment for both exercise regimes (Figure 1) and lower perceived exertion with BFR (Figure 2).
• Participant 1 reported better muscle engagement with BFR, while participant 2 experienced more delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and fatigue with BFR compared to PRT.
• Cuff application posed technical challenges for both participants.

Conclusion

• Data trends indicate the effectiveness and safety of BFR as a viable intervention option for this population.
• DOMS was the only adverse symptom experienced by both participants and is a consistent response to weightlifting.⁶
• Participant comments highlight the potential of this training approach to provide similar, if not superior, muscular responses compared to PRT.
• Individuals with CP should initially perform BFR regiments under the supervision of a trained professional to ensure proper adjustment of the tourniquet before using it independently.

Clinical Relevance

• This study contributes to the growing evidence supporting BFR as a safe and effective strength training alternative for individuals with CP, when supervised by a trained professional to mitigate potential adverse events.

Recommended Citation

Simunds, Erin EdD, PT; Fegurgur, J; Lundquist, A; Heller, M; Neumann, S; and Lindgren, C, "Feasibility of Using Blood Flow Restriction Training for Adults with Cerebral Palsy: A Case Comparison" (2025). DPT Capstone Posters. 40.
https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/dpt-posters/40