Enhancing glucose control and insulin sensitivity through physical activity-breakfast consumption interactions among adolescents

Ref: Glucose control in adolescents

Post: PhD fees-funded studentship

Hours: Full-time

Closing date: 16:00 on 6^th August 2021

Interview date: 18^th or 19^th August 2021

Start date: October 2021

Director of Studies and Contact: Dr. Julia Zakrzewski-Fruer ([Email Address Removed])

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Introduction

The Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research (ISPAR) at the University of Bedfordshire is pleased to offer a full-time PhD studentship in the area of physical activity, nutrition and cardiometabolic health among adolescents. The studentship will cover doctoral tuition fees for three years of study. Specific details below.

The project | Enhancing glucose control and insulin sensitivity through physical activity-breakfast consumption interactions among adolescents

Physical activity and nutrition interventions that can moderate postprandial glucose (and insulin) responses are at the cornerstone of cardiometabolic disease prevention. Adolescents are a key target population because Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes are increasing globally at an alarming rate among this population, particularly in those living with overweight and obesity. Further, postprandial glucose excursions can be exacerbated by pubertal insulin resistance. Adolescence is also a critical time to promote health behaviours (e.g., healthy eating, active travel, increased levels of physical activity) that can be sustained across the lifespan for disease prevention, which is more effective than a cure. Given concerns that many adolescents are physically inactive and habitually skip breakfast, research on the possible interactive effect of physical activity and breakfast consumption on postprandial glucose and insulin regulation is highly relevant to this relatively neglected population. Indeed, data in adults suggest beneficial effects of both of these strategies. This PhD aims to understand the prevalence of impaired glucose and insulin resistance in adolescents and develop an effective, practicable physical activity-breakfast ‘model’ for enhancing daily glucose control and insulin sensitivity for adolescents. In doing so, active travel is a key morning physical activity opportunity in close proximity to the breakfast meal and its promotion is timely given the environmental impact. The research will cover a range of high-interest disciplines (e.g., physiology, metabolism, health, behavioural science) and utilise a multi-methods approach to study designs, moving from controlled laboratory studies to real-world application in the field. The specific nature of each stage is open for discussion and will emerge as the research progresses. The successful applicant will work with a multi-disciplinary team of leading academics and build an excellent knowledge and skill base for a future career within the field.

The institution

The University of Bedfordshire’s vision is to create a vibrant multi-cultural learning community enabling people to transform their lives by participating in excellent, innovative education, scholarship and research.

ISPAR capitalises on local, national and international opportunities for collaborative interdisciplinary cross-boundary research and innovation in health and wellbeing. A major goal of the institute is to understand the role of physical activity in promoting health across the lifespan, moving from research in the laboratory to real-life settings for implementation in various contexts.

The successful candidate will join our lively community of post-graduate researchers, comprising of a wealth of interests particularly in applied health, sport, and, physical activity.

Supervisory team

Successful candidates will be supported by the following multi-disciplinary team of leading academics: Dr. Julia Zakrzewski-Fruer ([Email Address Removed]; Director of Studies); Dr Michael Newell ([Email Address Removed]); Dr Lindsey Smith ([Email Address Removed]); Dr. Rebecca Jones ([Email Address Removed]) and Professor Angel Chater ([Email Address Removed]).

Links to staff profiles are here: https://www.beds.ac.uk/ispar/about/staff/.

Expected outcomes

The expected outcomes of this PhD include a series of outputs that are suitable for dissemination via publication highly-ranked academic journals, conference presentations and stakeholder-related activities (e.g., lay summaries, school assemblies). The research is also expected to cement and build partnerships with stakeholders within the community (e.g., schools, breakfast clubs, active travel initiatives). The findings are expected to inform future external grant applications.

Term and funding

Commencing in October 2021, initially for two years (MPhil stage), progressing to PhD with successful upgrade viva subject to satisfactory progress. The studentship is available for ‘home’ students who meet the entry criteria. Please consult the University website for more information. Full-time study is desirable, although part-time study may be considered under specific circumstances. The studentship will include tuition fees for a maximum of three years (or part-time equivalent). Teaching opportunities at the University will be available. Information on Postgraduate Doctoral Loans can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/doctoral-loan.

The candidate and entry criteria

·      Applicants must have a minimum of a 2.1 degree in a relevant subject, such as Sport and Exercise Science, Nutrition, Health or a related subject.

·      An awarded Masters-level degree in a relevant subject is desirable, but not essential.

·      Applicants should have experience of working with children/adolescents, or be interested in working with this population.

·      Experience in relevant research methods and procedures, including exercise testing, blood sampling and analysis, expired air analysis and physical activity assessment, as well as quantitative data and statistical analysis will be highly advantageous.

·      Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their ability in English, typically B2 level English qualification such as IELTS 7.0.

How to apply

Full details of the application process can be found on our Research Graduate School website: https://www.beds.ac.uk/rgs/apply.

Applicants must submit a 2000-word proposal highlighting the health relevance of moderating postprandial glucose and insulin responses in adolescents, the literature to-date on the acute effects of physical activity (including different physical activity modes, intensities, etc.) and breakfast consumption (versus omission) on postprandial glucose and insulin responses, and current gaps in the research. In addition to a CV, all applications should include a cover letter with supporting information on their experience, skills and how these relate to the advertised studentship. Please also send a scanned copy of your highest degree and transcript where possible.

Once completed, please submit the application form by email to both [Email Address Removed] and [Email Address Removed] quoting the title ‘Glucose control in adolescents’.

Checklist for applications

·      Application form

·      CV

·      Contact details of two referees (at least 1 academic)

·      2000 word proposal

·      Covering letting

·      Highest qualification certificate/transcript

·      ‘Glucose control in adolescents’ in email subject title