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Parkinson's patients getting back in their stride thanks to trial

A man pictured holding a medical device

A patient with Parkinson’s is now enjoying walks with friends again after wearable technology being trialled in Swansea Bay got him back into his stride.

Malcolm Sims, aged 75, from Kittle, Gower, has taken part in a research trial at Swansea Bay University’s Health Board’s Rehabilitation Engineering Unit that uses Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls.

Electrical pads attached to Malcolm’s leg create a nerve impulse which causes the muscles to move. The pads are attached to a device with a switch in the heel of his shoe - meaning that each time he takes a stride, the switch activates the pads to create an impulse to get the muscles going.

A man showing a medical device stuck to his leg

Malcolm got involved with the trial, called STEPS II, about a year ago and has been astonished by the positive impact it’s had on his quality of life.

“It’s made such a difference, I’m back doing the things I enjoy and I feel more confident and steady on my feet,” said Malcolm.

“I first became aware something wasn’t right when I was out walking with friends about two years ago.

“We’d be out on a nice walk and they’d noticed I was struggling to keep up with them, which was strange.

“They thought I was dragging my left leg and I had a small gait, which was something new for me.

“So I went to have it investigated. We did some work on my stride, trying to lengthen it but despite everyone’s best efforts, that didn’t work. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. But a year ago I was told about the STEPS II trial, what it was all about and was invited to take part.

“It’s been brilliant for me. The FES sticks to my leg and connects to the switch in my shoe. In some ways it’s quite a simple idea but it’s very clever technology.

“It stops me having what we call sticky foot, when you’re foot gets stuck because the muscles aren’t working as they should.

“It’s made such a big difference. The faults my friend could see aren’t there any more, I keep up with them and I can walk miles.

“I even forgot to take the FES with me when I was away for three weeks recently, but because the muscle memory was there, it was as if the device was still attached. I’d go back to how I was before if I stopped using FES altogether, but at least I know if I’m without it for a short time, I can get by.

“I’m now getting on with life, using the device. I’m so glad I got involved with the trial and so grateful to the staff who have supported me.

STEPS II follows on from a feasibility study in 2020 led by Salisbury District Hospital, where 64 people with Parkinson’s who had difficulty walking received FES in addition to standard care. A significant number of participants who received FES had increased walking speed and fewer falls, in addition to improved walking ability, mobility and confidence.

With around 60 per cent of Parkinson’s patients suffering at least one fall a year, and falls costing the NHS around £2.3bn annually, STEPS II has enormous potential to not only help people get back to doing the things they enjoy but also keep them safe and out of hospital.

A man wearing a medical device on his leg is pictured walking a dog

As well as Swansea, patients are already taking part at other trial sites in Salisbury, Leeds, Birmingham, North Cumbria, North Wales, Derby, and Ipswich. More than 200 people with Parkinson's at the eight sites are involved, with 28 patients currently in Swansea.

Following a screening assessment, participants are randomly allocated to either wear the FES device, or to a control group who receive their usual care.

Patients in both groups visit the clinic on five occasions for trial assessments with a research physiotherapist. However, participants receiving the FES treatment visit the clinic an additional four times during a 22-week period.

Appointments vary in length, with some lasting up to two hours as participants complete a range of mobility assessments and a variety of measurements are taken.

FES is also currently available in Swansea Bay as a low-cost treatment for people who have had a stroke or have MS.

“Hosting the STEPS II trial in Swansea Bay has been a great experience for us in the FES service, allowing us to participate in multi-disciplinary research involving physiotherapists and healthcare scientists,” said Dr Lorna Tasker, Consultant Clinical Scientist, Head of Rehabilitation Engineering at SBUHB and STEPS II Principal Investigator for Swansea.

“We are delighted to see these promising results of using FES at this very early stage of the trial. The outcome of this trial, which will finish recruitment in May 2026, with results expected to be published in 2027, will help shape future FES provision within Parkinson’s care.”

STEPS II is a National Institute for Health and Care Research funded study for people with Parkinson’s Disease, sponsored and led by Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust 

For more information or for participants to register interest, please see the STEPS II study website: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/penctu/steps-2

Or email the team at SBU.REU@wales.nhs.uk.

 

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