Biomechanical risk factors and reduced bone health in lower limb amputees.

This project has been selected for consideration for a fully-funded Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship at Nottingham Trent University. Fifteen PhD projects will be funded across the University through the Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship Scheme for entry in 2015/16.
Full details of the projects and the competition are available at

http://www.ntu.ac.uk/research/graduate_school/studentships/index.html

We are pleased to be able to offer this exciting opportunity within the SHAPE Research Group, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University. This multi-disciplinary project will be supervised by researchers from both biomechanics and physiology is focussed on the biomechanics of amputee movement in relation to bone health.

Having lost biological structures essential for movement, a key aim for amputees is to regain independence via increased mobility and the performance of activities of daily living (ADLs). Research has demonstrated that both following surgery and rehabilitation, amputees are able to regain a good level of mobility when performing ADLs. However, the asymmetrical movement mechanics displayed by this group may result in asymmetrical loading of the lower limbs, which in turn, may affect lower limb bone health. Understanding how typical recent amputee bone health develops as a result of their biomechanical characteristics is extremely important and interventions to adapt amputee movement and/or ameliorate negative changes in bone health must be developed. This project will investigate the relationship between the biomechanics of movement alongside the physiological changes in bone health. The project will also identify any potential benefits to bone health arising from a targeted nutritional supplementation and/or exercise training intervention.
The biomechanics laboratory has seen significant investment recently and houses a nine-camera motion capture system with three integrated force plates and wireless electromyography alongside an isokinetic dynamometer, other custom dynamometers for the assessment of neuromuscular function and all relevant acquisition, analysis and modelling software. In addition, the sport science labs also house a full body dual x-ray absorptiometry scanner. The successful candidate will have all facilities at their disposal. There are also opportunities for the successful candidate to develop their skills through assisting with the smooth running of the laboratory and supervision of projects being conducted.

Entry requirements

In order to be eligible to apply, you must hold, or expect to obtain by 1st October 2015, a UK Master’s degree (or UK equivalent according to NARIC) with a minimum of a merit, and/or a UK 1stClass/2.1 Bachelor’s degree (or UK equivalent according to NARIC) in biomechanics or related discipline (e.g. Bioengineering/Sport and Exercise Science/Physiotherapy). Research training in the biomechanical assessment of human movement and/or physiological aspects of bone health assessment would be advantageous but not essential as all training will be provided. Experience of working with participants/patients would also be advantageous.

It is recommended that details of how experience and qualifications match the project are included in the personal statement on the application form.


Applications can be accepted from UK/EU and International students, but a successful non-EU candidate would be responsible for paying the difference between non-EU and UK/EU fees. (Full-time Fees for 2014/15 are £12,000 for non-EU students and £3,996 for UK/EU students). The minimum English language proficiency requirement for candidates who have not undertaken a higher degree at a UK HE institution is IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in all skills)