Swansea Parkinson’s patient gets back into his stride thanks to pioneering trial

Back on his feet in Gower

Malcolm Sims, 75, from Kittle, Gower, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s after friends noticed he was struggling to keep up on walks. His left leg was dragging and his stride had shortened, leaving him unsteady and anxious about falls.

Now, thanks to the STEPS II trial at Swansea Bay University Health Board’s Rehabilitation Engineering Unit, Malcolm is back enjoying long walks with friends.

The trial uses Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) – small electrical pads attached to the leg, linked to a switch in the heel of the shoe. Each time Malcolm takes a stride, the switch triggers the pads to stimulate the muscles, helping him walk more smoothly.

“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.

“The faults my friend could see aren’t there any more, I keep up with them and I can walk miles.”

A simple idea with big impact

Malcolm says the device stops him experiencing “sticky foot” – when muscles fail to respond and the foot gets stuck. Even when he forgot the device on a trip away, the muscle memory it had created helped him keep walking confidently.

“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,” he said.

Malcolm Sims demonstrates the wearable FES device used in the STEPS II trial to improve mobility.
(Image: Swansea Bay University Health Board)

Potential to transform care

The STEPS II study builds on earlier research showing FES can improve walking speed, reduce falls and boost confidence. Around 60 per cent of people with Parkinson’s suffer at least one fall a year, costing the NHS an estimated £2.3bn annually.

Dr Lorna Tasker, Consultant Clinical Scientist and Head of Rehabilitation Engineering at Swansea Bay UHB, said:

“We are delighted to see these promising results from using FES at this very early stage of the trial. The outcome will help shape future FES provision within Parkinson’s care.”

The trial is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and led by Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, with more than 200 participants across eight UK sites. Results are expected in 2027.

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