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PhD Position: Using trunk (torso) muscle training to improve the balance and functional mobility of older people: a feasibility study
Dept/School/Faculty: Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University
PhD Supervisor: Prof A McConnell
Application Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2015
Funding Availability:
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
Further Information: https://research.bournemouth.ac.uk/p...d-social-care/
The most recent NICE evidence (2013) suggests that 30% of people in the UK over 65 years of age, and 50% of people aged over 80 years, fall at least once per year, with a cost to the NHS of more than £2.3 billion per annum.
Exercise training is the most commonly used intervention aimed at reducing the risk of falls in older people. The main foci of this training have been the leg and ankle muscles, but emerging evidence supports a more holistic approach. Recent research suggests that the respiratory muscles (the trunk comprises muscles whose primary function is respiratory) contribute to postural control and balance, and that training the inspiratory muscles can improve postural control in people with low back pain. The role of respiratory and synergistic trunk muscles in falls risk in older people is currently unknown. By focussing on the trunk muscles, the project takes an innovative and novel approach to reducing falls risk, and will utilise emerging, as well as established technologies in the development of a new clinical scoring system. The scoring system will quantify the relative contributions of older people’s trunk and limb muscles to postural balance, gait, and mobility.
The proposed project will:
1) Develop techniques for assessing the contribution of the trunk muscles to postural control and functional mobility
2) Explore whether inspiratory muscle training (IMT) improves postural control and functional mobility in older people, either as a standalone intervention, or in combination with traditional lower limb-strengthening exercise.
The project will be supervised by Prof. Alison McConnell, Dr James Gavin, and Mr Tom Wainwright. It is a cross-Faculty collaboration linking health sciences and exercise sciences, as well as Bournemouth University’s new Orthopaedic Research Institute (ORI).
This project is an opportunity to work alongside a world leading expert and innovator in the area of IMT providing the appointee with cutting edge expertise in the area. The student will also develop skills in muscle physiology and biomechanics; in particular, movement analysis and assessment of functional mobility. The student will not only participate in an exciting, cross-faculty collaboration (Prof Alison McConnell, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences and Dr James Gavin, Lecturer Biomechanics, Faculty of Management), they will also work closely with the newly formed Orthopaedic Research Institute (Mr Tom Wainwright, Deputy Director of the ORI). This will enable the appointed student to become uniquely qualified and experienced, and a highly sought after interdisciplinary researcher/practitioner. The student will maximise their learning experience, and the breadth of their skills, by working with a diverse range of research and clinical professionals. There is also the potential to work with the supervisor’s existing research collaborators in the UK and EU, to develop specialist skills and techniques.
The requirements of the project would suit a candidate with sport science, biomechanics, or physiotherapy background. Applicants with existing experience of undertaking movement analysis and exercise physiology investigations with human participants would be particularly welcome.
How to apply: Applications are made via our website using the Apply Online button below. If you have an enquiry about this project please contact us via the Email NOW button below, however your application will only be processed once you have submitted an application form as opposed to emailing your CV to us.
Candidates for funded PhD studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 3 years.
All candidates must satisfy the University’s minimum doctoral entry criteria for studentships of an honours degree at Upper Second Class (2.1) and/or an appropriate Master’s degree. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (or equivalent) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.
Applicants with existing experience of undertaking movement analysis and exercise physiology investigations with human participants would be particularly welcome.
In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful and timely completion.
Funding Notes:
Funded candidates will receive a maintenance grant of £14,000 (unless otherwise specified) per annum, to cover their living expenses and have their fees waived for 36 months. In addition, research costs, including field work and conference attendance, will be met.
Funded Studentships are open to both UK/EU and International students unless otherwise specified.
Informal Enquiries to lead Supervisor, Prof Alison McConnell (amcconnell@bournemouth.ac.uk). The Studentship is for 3 years and is expected to begin in January 2016.
Dept/School/Faculty: Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University
PhD Supervisor: Prof A McConnell
Application Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2015
Funding Availability:
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)Further Information: https://research.bournemouth.ac.uk/p...d-social-care/
The most recent NICE evidence (2013) suggests that 30% of people in the UK over 65 years of age, and 50% of people aged over 80 years, fall at least once per year, with a cost to the NHS of more than £2.3 billion per annum.
Exercise training is the most commonly used intervention aimed at reducing the risk of falls in older people. The main foci of this training have been the leg and ankle muscles, but emerging evidence supports a more holistic approach. Recent research suggests that the respiratory muscles (the trunk comprises muscles whose primary function is respiratory) contribute to postural control and balance, and that training the inspiratory muscles can improve postural control in people with low back pain. The role of respiratory and synergistic trunk muscles in falls risk in older people is currently unknown. By focussing on the trunk muscles, the project takes an innovative and novel approach to reducing falls risk, and will utilise emerging, as well as established technologies in the development of a new clinical scoring system. The scoring system will quantify the relative contributions of older people’s trunk and limb muscles to postural balance, gait, and mobility.
The proposed project will:
1) Develop techniques for assessing the contribution of the trunk muscles to postural control and functional mobility
2) Explore whether inspiratory muscle training (IMT) improves postural control and functional mobility in older people, either as a standalone intervention, or in combination with traditional lower limb-strengthening exercise.
The project will be supervised by Prof. Alison McConnell, Dr James Gavin, and Mr Tom Wainwright. It is a cross-Faculty collaboration linking health sciences and exercise sciences, as well as Bournemouth University’s new Orthopaedic Research Institute (ORI).
This project is an opportunity to work alongside a world leading expert and innovator in the area of IMT providing the appointee with cutting edge expertise in the area. The student will also develop skills in muscle physiology and biomechanics; in particular, movement analysis and assessment of functional mobility. The student will not only participate in an exciting, cross-faculty collaboration (Prof Alison McConnell, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences and Dr James Gavin, Lecturer Biomechanics, Faculty of Management), they will also work closely with the newly formed Orthopaedic Research Institute (Mr Tom Wainwright, Deputy Director of the ORI). This will enable the appointed student to become uniquely qualified and experienced, and a highly sought after interdisciplinary researcher/practitioner. The student will maximise their learning experience, and the breadth of their skills, by working with a diverse range of research and clinical professionals. There is also the potential to work with the supervisor’s existing research collaborators in the UK and EU, to develop specialist skills and techniques.
The requirements of the project would suit a candidate with sport science, biomechanics, or physiotherapy background. Applicants with existing experience of undertaking movement analysis and exercise physiology investigations with human participants would be particularly welcome.
How to apply: Applications are made via our website using the Apply Online button below. If you have an enquiry about this project please contact us via the Email NOW button below, however your application will only be processed once you have submitted an application form as opposed to emailing your CV to us.
Candidates for funded PhD studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 3 years.
All candidates must satisfy the University’s minimum doctoral entry criteria for studentships of an honours degree at Upper Second Class (2.1) and/or an appropriate Master’s degree. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (or equivalent) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.
Applicants with existing experience of undertaking movement analysis and exercise physiology investigations with human participants would be particularly welcome.
In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful and timely completion.
Funding Notes:
Funded candidates will receive a maintenance grant of £14,000 (unless otherwise specified) per annum, to cover their living expenses and have their fees waived for 36 months. In addition, research costs, including field work and conference attendance, will be met.
Funded Studentships are open to both UK/EU and International students unless otherwise specified.
Informal Enquiries to lead Supervisor, Prof Alison McConnell (amcconnell@bournemouth.ac.uk). The Studentship is for 3 years and is expected to begin in January 2016.