Physical activity and sedentary behaviour during pregnancy; impact on maternal and offspring cardiovascular risk

Increased physical activity (PA) and decreased sedentary behaviour (SB) are associated with improved physiological, metabolic and psychological parameters in healthy adults, and are strong independent predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although maternal health benefits can be accrued from PA during pregnancy, including reduction in gestational weight gain, and improved glucose tolerance, most women reduce or completely cease PA during pregnancy. The cardiovascular consequences of this physical inactivity during pregnancy are currently unknown, furthermore the impact of maternal inactivity on fetal programming and offspring cardiovascular risk are unclear.

The project aims firstly to quantify physical activity and sedentary behaviour during pregnancy and to assess the relationship with maternal cardiovascular risk outcomes, and secondly to determine the impact of an exercise intervention during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes as well as maternal and offspring cardiovascular risk. In order to fulfil these aims the successful candidate will work closely with the target population as well as clinicians and health care professionals. The studentship will primarily involve the collection of quantitative data including objective assessment of physical activity and cardiovascular imaging, but will also include some qualitative approaches.

The successful candidate will join the Cardiovascular Science Research Group in the world renowned Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES) at Liverpool John Moores University. Dr Nicola Hopkins will be accompanied by co-supervisors, Dr Helen Jones and Dr Dave Low. The department was recently rated the highest performing sport science department in the country in the Research Excellence Framework assessment 2014 (when taking into account the point scores and number of staff submitted). The department has world class facilities and a large network of postgraduate students who all receive a programme of ongoing training and development, including completion of LJMU’s accredited 3is teaching programme.

For queries, applicants should contact: Nicola Hopkins: Email: [Email Address Removed], Phone: 0151 904 6271