Fully-funded PhD: Hyperthermia-induced impairment in physical/cognitive dual-task performance: interactions with brain blood flow/oxygenation, and potential countermeasures

The Carnegie School of Sport in collaboeration with the Ministry of Defence are looking to recruit a highly motivated individual to undertake a funded PHD studentship examining 'Hyperthermia-induced Impairment in Exercise/Cognitive Dual-Task Performance'.

The Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University is purposefully driven by a focus on working together to make a positive difference. Our strength is the breadth and depth of our research, which is underpinned by the disciplinary experience of our colleagues and students. Pursuing an inclusive and ambitious research agenda, we cross the broad spectrum of the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Our research culture is founded upon a genuine commitment and capacity to work with others on real-world applied problems, to achieve impact beyond academia. From our leading work on talent development, coaching practice, and anti-doping, to our research in gender equality, ageing and obesity, we work to apply our knowledge to address some of the key issues facing our communities today.

We are offering a funded PHD studentship (full time) starting 1 October 2024.

The primary research location will be at Leeds Beckett University.

Project: Hyperthermia-induced impairment in physical/cognitive dual-task performance: interactions with brain blood flow/oxygenation, and potential countermeasures

Director of Studies: Dr Steven Trangmar

Supervisor: Prof. John O’Hara

Advisors: Col. David Woods and Lt Col. Mike Stacey

It is long established that exposure to high ambient temperatures, and accompanying skin and internal body hyperthermia, degrades aerobic exercise performance. However, there is limited understanding of how heat stress affects the combined challenge of exercise and cognitive (dual-task) performance. This programme of work will systematically investigate how body hyperthermia, induced by exercise in the heat, affects dual-task performance, and, specifically, the relationship between dual-task performance and the brain circulation and oxygenation. It will also explore potential countermeasures (e.g. nutrition, cooling) to any observed detrimental effects, with the intention of application to military, occupational and wider-population settings..

Applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposals with Dr Steven Trangmar and Prof. John O'Hara

Application Reference Number: 2024-Oct-MoD/CSS-PHD

Start Date: 01 October 2024

Mode of Study: Full-Time (3yrs)

Number of Opportunities Available: 1

Interviews to take place from: 19 July 2024

Information on how to apply and application form can be found here