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  • PhD Studentship

    EPSRC DTP studentship: The influence of footwear and training interventions on metatarsal strain during running

    About the award

    The proposed doctoral project will investigate the influence of footwear, foot strike pattern and stride cadence on in vivo second metatarsal strain during running. This project will use a multidisciplinary approach, integrating biomechanical and engineering procedures to develop a dynamic 3D model of the second metatarsal, using non-invasive techniques.
    Metatarsal strain is associated with stress fracture development, with strain known to increase during weight-bearing physical activity. Metatarsal stress fractures are a burdensome injury in both athletic and military populations, with the second metatarsal being one of the most commonly fractured bones. This injury is associated with considerable financial cost as a result of the expensive magnetic resonance imaging procedures required for diagnosis, and the lengthy recovery time. Due to the difficulties in assessing bone strain, it is presently unclear what influence variables such as footwear, foot strike pattern and running cadence have on metatarsal strain. Therefore it remains unknown which factors can be manipulated effectively to reduce strain in the metatarsals during running.
    The aim of this project is threefold:
    1. To develop a 3D model of the second metatarsal using finite element analysis techniques, allowing estimates of axial and bending strain during running.
    2. To assess the influence of modifiable variables, including footwear, foot strike pattern, and running cadence on metatarsal strain.
    3. To identify which combination(s) of footwear, foot strike and running cadence results in the lowest metatarsal strain during running.

    In order to achieve these aims, biomechanical data will be collected during running, and magnetic resonance images of the foot will be obtained. A 3D model of the second metatarsal will be created using this information, and finite element analyses will determine stress and strain along the bone during running. Biomechanical data will then be collected during running trials in which footwear, foot strike pattern and running cadence have been manipulated.
    Academic Supervisors:
    Dr Hannah Rice, Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences
    Professor Akbar Javadi, Engineering, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences
    Location: University of Exeter, St Luke’s Campus, Exeter
    About the award:
    This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Doctoral Training Partnership to commence in September 2016. The studentships will provide funding for a stipend (currently £14,057 per annum for 2015/16), research costs of £3,000 and UK/EU tuition fees at Research Council rates for 3 years.
    Entry requirements:
    Applicants for this studentship must have a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree, and will ideally have a Masters degree (with a Merit or higher) in a relevant subject, such as Sport and Health Sciences or Biomechanics. The equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science will also be considered. It is particularly beneficial if independent research (e.g. dissertation) was a key component of the Masters degree.
    If English is not your first language you will need to have achieved at least 6.5 in IELTS (and no less than 6.0 in any section) by the start of the project (alternative tests may be acceptable, see http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/english/)
    This studentship will be funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and is only available to UK and EU nationals. You must have resided in the UK for three years prior to starting the studentship to receive funding for tuition fees and a stipend. If you are an EU national and have not resided in the UK for three years prior to the start of the studentship you would not be eligible for a stipend, so you would need to have an alternative source of funding for your living costs. Candidates from outside the EU are not eligible for this studentship. For full details on the residence requirements please see https://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/stude...p/eligibility/


    Summary

    4th January 2016
    £14,057 per annum plus UK/EU fees for eligible students (2015-16 rates)
    per year
    cles-studentships@exeter.ac.uk

    How to apply

    Click here to apply
    Please be aware you will be asked to upload the following documents:
    • CV
    • Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
    • Research proposal
    • If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English

    The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 4 January 2016. Interviews will be held at the University of Exeter in mid-late January 2016.
    If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email cles-studentships@exeter.ac.uk or phone +44 (0)1392 725150/723706/723310.
    For further information, or informal discussion about the position, please contact the lead supervisor.
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