Shape a clinical study investigating Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to improve walking

The opportunity at a glance
What?	Join a Trial Steering Committee
When?	June 2023- September 2026 (2 meetings per year)
Where?	Online, via video conference
Who?	People with Parkinson’s

Some people with Parkinson’s may experience difficulties with walking and may walk slowly, take small steps, freeze or fall.

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is a technique that applies small electrical impulses from a battery-powered device through sticky pads placed on the skin. This treatment is used to assist walking in people with conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or stroke. However, it is not yet known if it is beneficial for people with Parkinson’s. 

A small pilot study suggested FES may help people to walk faster and improve walking over a number of days, so Paul Taylor and colleagues at Salisbury NHS Trust and Plymouth University are  now planning a larger clinical study to assess the effect of FES on walking for people with Parkinson’s.

Paul is looking for a person with Parkinson’s who would be willing to join the steering committee for the study.

What is involved?

Join a Trial Steering Committee to ensure that the project is focused on what is important to people who have Parkinson’s and that the protocol and procedures are feasible and acceptable.

When? June 2023 to September 2026. It is expected that there will be 2 meetings of about 90 minutes each year.

Where? Online, via video conference

Please read the role description to find out more about the project and the role.

Who can be involved?

People with Parkinson’s. Experience of taking part or being involved in research may be beneficial but is not essential.

How do I get involved? 

Please email Abbey (at Abbey.tufft@plymouth.ac.uk) and copy in researchinvolvement@parkinsons.org.uk, if you would be interested in joining the steering committee. Please include in your email: 

• Your connection to Parkinson’s 
• If you have any experience of taking part or being involved in research

Please express your interest by Friday 16 June.

Don’t forget, by volunteering for this opportunity you are consenting to your email being shared with the researcher(s) involved on this project.