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We are seeking expressions of interest for the research opportunity outlined below.
Background
Dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterised by abnormal, involuntary movements affecting various body parts of people with Parkinson’s disease. Dyskinesia interferes with normal functions and activities of daily living. In Parkinson’s disease, dyskinesia is caused as a side effect of levodopa (antiparkinsonian medication) and dopamine agonists, and it is likely caused by long exposure to antiparkinsonian medications and/or long daily dosages.
Thus far, it is not well-established how dyskinesia affects the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease, but it is clear that dyskinesia: i) is associated with social isolation and reduced participation in social activities due to the exacerbated and uncontrolled movements experienced by people with Parkinson’s disease; ii) is associated with increased pain and body discomfort, followed by fatigue and weakness; iii) can interfere in the execution of daily life activities due to exacerbated upper limbs movements, affecting in situations such as dressing and eating; iv) is associated with decreased mobility and increased falls risk in people with Parkinson’s disease); v) can elevate the costs of health services due to constant medication dosage adjustments.
Within the overarching topic of “Dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease”, individual PhD studies can be negotiated based on the interest of the student and the expertise of the supervisory team. Potential areas include the biomechanical, physiological, cognitive, and biopsychosocial effects of dyskinesia on people with Parkinson’s disease.
Additional information
The supervisory team will be led by Dr Paulo Henrique Silva Pelicioni (Co-joint supervisor) and Dr Kirsty McDonald (Co-joint supervisor) from the School of Health Sciences, UNSW.
The preferred candidates will be highly motivated, with (or nearing completion) an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology/Sport Science/Exercise Physiology, Physiotherapy, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline with relevant research experience (Hons/MSc). Excellent teamwork and communication skills and a willingness to work with human subjects are requirements of both projects. Applicants should have a strong theoretical understanding of human physiology, motor control and biomechanics. Experience with motion capture is highly desired, as is MATLAB or Python proficiency.
Following an expression of interest, the candidate may be encouraged to apply for an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship with the support of the supervisors (see links below). In line with the RTP, the expected start dates are September 2023 (domestic applicants) or February 2024 (international applicants). International applicants must meet the language requirements.
Interested candidates should send their CV and a brief cover letter to Dr Paulo Henrique Silva Pelicioni (paulo.silvapelicioni@unsw.edu.au) and Dr Kirsty McDonald (kirsty.mcdonald@unsw.edu.au) by April 2, 2023. The cover letter should detail the candidate’s experience, interest in the project and how the student meets the language requirements.
Useful links
• UNSW: unsw.edu.au
• Scholarships: unsw.edu.au/research/hdr/scholarships
• Language requirements: unsw.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements
• Sydney: sydney.com
Background
Dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterised by abnormal, involuntary movements affecting various body parts of people with Parkinson’s disease. Dyskinesia interferes with normal functions and activities of daily living. In Parkinson’s disease, dyskinesia is caused as a side effect of levodopa (antiparkinsonian medication) and dopamine agonists, and it is likely caused by long exposure to antiparkinsonian medications and/or long daily dosages.
Thus far, it is not well-established how dyskinesia affects the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease, but it is clear that dyskinesia: i) is associated with social isolation and reduced participation in social activities due to the exacerbated and uncontrolled movements experienced by people with Parkinson’s disease; ii) is associated with increased pain and body discomfort, followed by fatigue and weakness; iii) can interfere in the execution of daily life activities due to exacerbated upper limbs movements, affecting in situations such as dressing and eating; iv) is associated with decreased mobility and increased falls risk in people with Parkinson’s disease); v) can elevate the costs of health services due to constant medication dosage adjustments.
Within the overarching topic of “Dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease”, individual PhD studies can be negotiated based on the interest of the student and the expertise of the supervisory team. Potential areas include the biomechanical, physiological, cognitive, and biopsychosocial effects of dyskinesia on people with Parkinson’s disease.
Additional information
The supervisory team will be led by Dr Paulo Henrique Silva Pelicioni (Co-joint supervisor) and Dr Kirsty McDonald (Co-joint supervisor) from the School of Health Sciences, UNSW.
The preferred candidates will be highly motivated, with (or nearing completion) an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology/Sport Science/Exercise Physiology, Physiotherapy, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline with relevant research experience (Hons/MSc). Excellent teamwork and communication skills and a willingness to work with human subjects are requirements of both projects. Applicants should have a strong theoretical understanding of human physiology, motor control and biomechanics. Experience with motion capture is highly desired, as is MATLAB or Python proficiency.
Following an expression of interest, the candidate may be encouraged to apply for an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship with the support of the supervisors (see links below). In line with the RTP, the expected start dates are September 2023 (domestic applicants) or February 2024 (international applicants). International applicants must meet the language requirements.
Interested candidates should send their CV and a brief cover letter to Dr Paulo Henrique Silva Pelicioni (paulo.silvapelicioni@unsw.edu.au) and Dr Kirsty McDonald (kirsty.mcdonald@unsw.edu.au) by April 2, 2023. The cover letter should detail the candidate’s experience, interest in the project and how the student meets the language requirements.
Useful links
• UNSW: unsw.edu.au
• Scholarships: unsw.edu.au/research/hdr/scholarships
• Language requirements: unsw.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements
• Sydney: sydney.com