Effects of high-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity steady-state training on mental health, cognitive and cardiometabolic outcomes in young women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a pilot randomised, controlled trial.

This opportunity is a fully funded three-year PhD studentship at Cardiff Metropolitan University to begin in September 2019 with completion by August 2022. This project is an exciting collaboration between Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff University and Cardiff and Vale Health Board. The main location for the successful candidate will be Cyncoed Campus, Cardiff Metropolitan University but the student will be expected to work in locations across Cardiff.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition affecting young women, and is characterised by irregular periods, excessive hair growth (hirsutism) and difficulty in getting pregnant. Patients are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and several mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. Lifestyle modification, including exercise, is an important part of management, but the best way in which this can be achieved is unclear. High-intensity interval training (HIIT), which alternates short bursts of intense exercise with recovery periods, has recently emerged as a time-efficient way to improve cardiovascular fitness in the general population. Compared with moderate-intensity steady state (MISS) training, HIIT may improve exercise adherence and improve cardiometabolic health in PCOS patients. The aim of this project is to compare HIIT with MISS or usual care in a randomised, controlled trial.

Criteria
Applicants should hold an honours degree (minimum 2:1) and a postgraduate qualification in a related subject (for example, sport and exercise sciences, biochemistry or biomedical sciences). Experience of venous blood sampling and analysis would be beneficial. A current Level 3 Exercise Referral qualification (or equivalent) and experience or running exercise interventions is desirable. The applicant will be primarily located in Cardiff Metropolitan University but expected to undertake data collection and recruitment across Cardiff/South Wales. Applicants should be able to demonstrate the necessary experience or potential to complete, successfully, a higher degree by research.

Supervisory Team: Dr Rachel Lord and Professor Philip James (Cardiff Metropolitan University) and Dr Aled Rees (Cardiff University and Cardiff and Vale Health Board)

Application
Applicants should provide a personal statement (max 1000 words) which should clearly convey what motivates you to pursue a PhD and identifies what about your experiences and background makes you an ideal candidate for this specific scholarship. Please send your personal statement and full CV to: Rachael Lusted ([Email Address Removed]), Research and Enterprise Officer, Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cyncoed Road, Cardiff, CF23 6XD. Please provide the name, address and status of two referees who are willing to provide a reference for you. One should be your present or most recent employer (unless you have not worked before) and one other who is able to describe your suitability for this post. References are normally taken up when the candidate is invited for interview.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Rachel Lord ([Email Address Removed])
The closing date for receipt of applications is 13/09/2019. Interviews are expected to take place w/c 23/09/19.