Respiratory
Medicine: Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research Funded PhD Studentship:
Development of a Low-Cost Moderate Intensity Exercise Training Intervention
Closing date: 17
June 2016
Key
Information
Development
of a low-cost exercise programme for sedentary individuals with moderate/severe
asthma at risk of an exacerbation (Ref: PHD/16/01)
We invite
applications for this PhD studentship, which is funded by the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research and
provides an exciting opportunity to work with experts in Respiratory Medicine
(Wilson, Davies), Exercise Science (Stratton) and Public Health (Jones) to
devise and implement a novel exercise programme for sedentary individuals with
moderate/severe asthma.
As asthma attacks
result in major social and healthcare costs, novel methods of reducing them are
required. Exercise interventions have been shown to improve quality of life,
symptom free days and airway inflammation, suggesting a role for reducing attacks.
However, short-term exercise interventions do not have long term benefits and
patient acceptable sustainable interventions are required.
The project:
1)
Literature review of exercise activity in adults
2) Development of a low-cost, exercise training programme
This will comprise
of motivational interviews, individual exercise prescription (with moderate
activity and strength training) and on-going motivation/encouragement. The
exercise programme will be developed using available route map planning software
to produce short circular exercise journeys interface. On-going interviews and
budding will be used to encourage participation.
3)
Feasibility testing of intervention
After baseline
demographic and physiological assessments, 36 patients with asthma and a
previous exacerbation will study assessments including shuttle walk test,
activity measurements, asthma control and quality of life tests at baseline and
4-monthly periods for 12 months. Focus groups and/or semi-structured interviews
will be conducted at the end of the study. Recruitment, completion and
adherence rates will be captured.
Training
opportunities:
Training will be
provided in the areas of systematic reviewing, assessment of physiological
measures & exercise capacity, exercise training, GIS based route map
planning software, and clinical trials. Experience will also be gained in
quantitative and qualitative analysis.
Supervisory Team:
Andrew Wilson*,
Andy Jones*, Gareth
Stratton+, Gwyn
Davies+
*Norwich Medical
School +Swansea University.
The
successful candidate is expected to start their studentship in October 2016.
Eligibility
Candidates should
hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area, such as nursing,
physiotherapy, psychology/behavioural science, exercise/sports science) or
geography.
UK/EU and
international students are welcome to apply, although only UK/EU tuition fees
are covered by this studentship. International students will be required to pay
the difference between UK/EU and international fees.
Funding
The studentship
covers the full cost of UK/EU tuition fees, plus a tax free stipend of £14,057
p.a. for three years.
There will also be
additional funds available for research expenses up to a value of £1890 per
year.
UK/EU and
international students are welcome to apply, although only UK/EU tuition fees
are covered by this studentship. International students will be required to pay
the difference between UK/EU and international fees.
How
to Apply
To apply, please
return (in electronic form) your:
- CV
- Personal
statement (up to a maximum of two A4 pages) - Degree
certificates - Academic
grades for your undergraduate degree - 2
academic references
to: Maria
Moller: M.Moller@swansea.ac.uk
The
deadline for applications is Friday 17th June 2016.
Informal enquiries
about this studentship are welcome, and may be directed to Andrew Wilson by
email (A.M.Wilson@uea.ac.uk) or by telephone (+44 01603 591257).
