PhD Studentship: Explosive strength training for improving function of older adults

Published by BASES | November 2017

Reference SSEHS/JPF
Locations Loughborough University
Deadline 28 November 2017

Description
This studentship is for three years starting in January 2018, and provides a tax free stipend of £14,553 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. International (non EU) students may apply however the total value of the studentship will be used towards the cost of the International tuition fee in the first instance.

Applications are invited for the above studentship commencing January 2018. This is an exciting opportunity to work within the ARUK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis (OA) and the School of Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences, Loughborough University. The Centre is a unique collaboration of 6 Universities (Nottingham, Oxford, Loughborough, Leeds, Bath and Southampton) as well as Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust involving world leading scientists and clinicians working to enhance our understanding of the effects of sport, exercise and injury on musculoskeletal health and OA.

The School has been ranked 1st in the world for Sport-related Subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017). Whilst strength training is widely recommended for older adults and OA patients the optimisation of the training stimulus is poorly understood. Some recent work has suggested that explosive strength training may have some advantages over traditional heavy- resistance training. The primary aim of this research is to develop and then assess the efficacy of a practical explosive strength training programme in older adults. This may involve a series of acute studies to understand the neuromuscular and perceptual responses to different types and training, followed by a longitudinal intervention study to compare different types of training.

Applicants should have a good first degree in sport and exercise science or equivalent with clear evidence of laboratory work. An MSc including experience of neuromuscular physiology and/or biomechanics would also be highly desirable. In addition, applicants should have excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as the confidence and interpersonal skills to work with older adults.

The closing date is Wednesday 22 November 2017 and interviews will take place the week commencing 4 December 2017

For informal enquiries about the project, please contact Professor Jonathan Folland (j.p.folland@lboro.ac.uk).

All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences.

General information about the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences can be found at: (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/ssehs/)

Information on the ARUK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis can be found at: http://www.sportsarthritisresearchuk.org/

Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014). In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Graduate School, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.  Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

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