A man who could not lift his arm for 20 years has now become a pole sport world champion thanks to a pioneering study.

Paul Bradley, 66, dislocated his shoulder and snapped ligaments while playing with his sons in the early 1990s.

For two decades, the former powerlifter could only reach above his head with his 'good' arm, as the pain in his right shoulder was too severe.

Mr Bradley, from West Wellow near Romsey, said: "My main hobby until the injury was powerlifting and instructing weightlifting. I still remember the doctor saying, ‘You’re going to need to find a new sport’. I was gutted."

However, after participating in the University of Southampton's ground-breaking MOCATS (Motor Control Retraining Exercises for Shoulder Impingement) study, Mr Bradley achieved full rehabilitation.

Surface electrodes were fitted to Paul's shoulder to assess movement and muscle activitySurface electrodes were fitted to Paul's shoulder to assess movement and muscle activity (Image: University of Southampton) His bespoke physiotherapy took place at the university’s biomechanics laboratory in the school of health sciences.

The treatment not only restored his mobility but also led him to discover a passion for pole sport - merging dance and acrobatics using a vertical metal pole - where he now holds a world record in his category.

The study, conducted by the university's Active Living Research Group and supported by the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis Research Versus Arthritis, used innovative methods to assess shoulder blade movement and muscle function.

Peter Worsley, professor of assistive technology and tissue health at the University of Southampton, co-led the study and said: "You need all the big muscles and all the little muscles in your shoulder to be working coherently for it to move properly.

"Using surface electrodes and our motion capture system, we measured muscle activity and shoulder blade movement to create tailored interventions for people suffering shoulder pain."

Paul Bradley with his British and World Champion pole sport medalsPaul Bradley with his British and World Champion pole sport medals (Image: University of Southampton) The team identified that a tendon was catching on bone, causing Mr Bradley's shoulder impingement. They then recommended exercises to improve his posture and correct his shoulder position.

Mr Bradley, now retired from his role as head of IT at Southampton's National Oceanography Centre, is a pole sport instructor and president of the British Pole and Aerial Sports Federation.

He has represented Great Britain in three world championships, becoming the male 60 plus world champion in 2022 and holding the world record for the over-60s male category.