Development of project WEIGH - WE are active and In this toGetHer

Coventry University (CU) is inviting applications from suitably-qualified graduates for a fully-funded PhD studentship.

In June 2020, COVID-19 had been confirmed in more than 6 million individuals in 185 countries and regions, with an overall mortality rate of more than 6%. Common comorbidities are hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes but obesity is acknowledged as a key risk factor.

This of particular concern in the UK considering the prevalence of obesity is 29% in adults which will be exacerbated by the imposed isolation due to the anticipated decline in daily total physical activity, increased sedentary behaviour (sitting time) and energy intake predominantly through snacking.

Celebrity fitness and nutrition ‘gurus’ have revelled during the COVID-19 pandemic with daily Instagram and YouTube offerings which despite being popular, it is apparent there is no evidence based, efficacious and effective home-based physical activity intervention that can be implemented during a government imposed quarantine.

WEIGH - WE are active and In this toGetHer will be realised through the co-design and production of an intervention with end users including those who have experienced COVID-19. The intervention will be tested as a feasibility randomised control trial (RCT). Initial patient and public involvement (PPI) work and post intervention interviews / focus groups will demand the use of qualitative methods in this mixed-methods programme of work.

The project will culminate with a home-based physical activity intervention that could potentially be implemented nationally to help prevent and treat obesity as well as rehabilitate patients of COVID-19 or any future pandemics.
Training and Development
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.

All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.
Entry criteria for applicants to PHD
• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
PLUS
the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years
• a minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)

For further details see: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/making-an-application/

Desirable – MSc in Clinical Exercise Physiology, Physical Activity and Health or related discipline.
Desirable – Experience of working with clinical populations.
Desirable – Fitness industry qualifications such as exercise instructor award and / or exercise referral diploma.
How to apply
To find out more about the project please contact – Professor David Broom - [Email Address Removed]

To apply on line please visit: https://pgrplus.coventry.ac.uk/studentships/hls-development-of-project-weigh---we-are-active-and-in-this-together

All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus an up to 2000-word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.