Falls are estimated to cost the NHS more than £2.3 billion per year: they are a major cause of accident-related hospital admissions and account for over four million bed days in England alone. The 70,000 hip fractures they result in are also a leading cause for elderly people losing their independence and having to go into care.
Now, following trials in home, care and community settings, a simple and inexpensive exercise device is being launched which the inventors say could radically reduce those statistics.
Supported by, Innovate UK, the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme, Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex and the University of Surrey, the “Shuffler” is being introduced to real-world care settings through collaborations with community organisations, care providers and local authorities.
The Trainor Jim “Shuffler” has been created by Lee Trainor (a disabled innovator) and Dr Jim Kelly (an NHS GP and Musculoskeletal specialist and NHS Clinical Entrepreneur). It is a UK-patented mobility device which allows safe, pain-free lower limb movement from a chair or the side of a bed, for people who find traditional exercises difficult or painful.
By gently exercising key leg muscles, it steadily builds strength – helping not only to reduce the risk of falls but also boost blood circulation in the lower limbs as well as improve mobility and confidence.
It is particularly suitable for stroke-affected people, and those who are looking to regain their mobility after an extended stay in hospital.
Dr Jim Kelly, Co-Founder of Trainor Jim Ltd, says: “The Shuffler isn’t just a product—it’s a preventative healthcare tool.
“Critically, we’ve co-designed it with users, carers, and NHS partners to make everyday movement more accessible to everyone – regardless of their age, condition or ability.”
“The final product is the outcome of hundreds of hours of testing, and we have seen first-hand just how quickly leg strength can be improved by just a few minutes’ use each day, enabling users to regain their mobility and independence.”
Trainor Jim Ltd celebrated the successful Triple Launch of The Shuffler. The Shuffler was officially introduced at three prominent community and care settings during the summer of 2025: Hawkinge House (Graham Care Group, Folkestone) and The Landings (Anchor Group, Kings Hill) on 31st July, followed by Romney Marsh Community Hub (New Romney) on 7th August. Each launch event featured live demonstrations of the device in action, testimonials from users and care staff, hands-on opportunities for attendees to try the Shuffler themselves.
These events marked the beginning of Trainor Jim’s ambitious rollout of 1,000 units for 2025, with future phases planned for NHS services, leisure rehabilitation, and retail markets.