How 3D ‘shape’ in human body measurement can be used to inform, predict and diagnose in sport and health

PhD Studentship - How 3D ‘shape’ in human body measurement can be used to inform, predict and diagnose in sport and health

Faculty of Health & Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University

Centre for Sports Engineering Research

PhD Research Studentship (full-time for 3 years)

Stipend: £14,057 per annum

The Centre for Sports Engineering Research (CSER) at Sheffield Hallam University invites applications for a PhD exploring the use of a custom 3D imaging system in sport and health applications.

Through a research programme lasting over 4 years, we have developed an accurate (3 mm), flexible and low-cost (£1,500) 3D imaging system which we have demonstrated is an effective tool for measurement of human body size and shape. While much of our work has demonstrated our system to be an effective replacement for traditional measurement tools (callipers, tape measure etc.), 3D point data has the potential to provide information which cannot be obtained by traditional means. Our current research has highlighted a number of areas which would benefit from advanced level of analysis, for example:

- Shape and muscle analysis in elite sport for talent ID and training
- Body analysis in assessment of obesity and weight loss.
- Identifying volume changes and swelling in the female chest after breast cancer treatment

The purpose of this PhD is to explore these potential applications and to develop advanced methods of analysing the data given by our 3D imaging system. Our PhD student will investigate, assess and develop these methods, exploring novel ways of measuring and visualising human body shape. By utilising existing links with the English Institute of Sport, the National Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine and Rotherham Institute of Obesity the student will arrange, co-ordinate and execute a longitudinal study to assess and validate the effectiveness of their shape analysis methods. It is anticipated that the student will contribute to the work of a vibrant and successful research group within the Centre for Sports Engineering Research.

Applicants should have a 1st or 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a computing or engineering discipline. Experience in programming is essential, working with human participants and an interest in sport/health is beneficial. As well as being academically talented, applicants should be self-motivated, autonomous and have excellent problem solving abilities. Suitable candidates from outside the UK/EU can apply but non UK/EU students must fund the difference between the International and UK/EU fee. Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to have an IELTS overall band 7 with a minimum score of 6.5 in all skill areas.

For further information or an informal discussion please contact:

Dr Simon Choppin (email: [Email Address Removed], telephone: +44(0)114-225-4405.

For more details about CSER, visit www.shu.ac.uk/research/cser/

Please send a one-page covering letter outlining your interest and proposed approach with an accompanying CV (maximum length two A4 pages) to Rea Smith ([Email Address Removed]) by 12 pm (midnight) on Thursday 23rd July 2015

Closing Date: Thursday 23rd July 2015
Interview Date: w/c 24th August 2015 in Sheffield