3.5 years October 2021
Description of Project
8.75M people in the UK have sought treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) and the condition costs the UK economy £10B/year (Versus Arthritis). Current treatments only alleviate the symptoms or potentially delay progression. To quantify the efficacy of future therapeutics, accurate evaluation of normal and pathological in-vivo knee joint function (movement and loading) are essential.
Traditionally, computational modelling of knee loading relies on marker-based motion capture as input data, creating inaccuracies in the contact dynamics due to soft tissue errors associated with markers attached to the skin. As an innovative response to this limitation, Dynamic Biplane X-Ray imaging (DBX), developed at Cardiff, captures real-time moving images of a volunteer’s knee joint during activity. For this studentship, DBX, in combination with high fidelity Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) will provide highly-accurate, subject-specific input data to develop more realistic dynamic musculoskeletal and contact models with associated estimates of tissue loading in healthy and osteoarthritic knees.
This unique interdisciplinary project will integrate existing imaging, experimental and computational technologies into a novel multi-scale modelling framework with the aim to:
• Provide a subject-specific knee modelling framework accounting for movement, loading, anatomy and muscle activity
• Calibrate a knee cartilage model accounting for control and OA cartilage properties using DBX and MRI data
• Validate the multi-scale model using in-vivo data for healthy and OA volunteers
Based on the robust modelling framework developed during the studentship, early surgical and non-surgical therapeutics aiming to normalise the knee’s mechanical environment can then be explored.
In year 1 the student will conduct a literature review, gain experience in in-vivo kinematics protocols (MRI/Motion Capture/DBX), working on focussed projects using OpenSim and FEBio and produce research abstracts reported at international conferences (the International Society of Biomechanics/Orthopaedic Research Society). Year 2 will focus on modelling framework development and in-vivo data collection. Year 3 will apply the modelling framework and model validation to produce at least 3 high quality research papers. The candidate is expected to complete the PhD in 3.5 years.
Training and Development Opportunities
The studentship will be enhanced through training in computational modelling (at Cardiff and Leuven), and in-vivo X-Ray data collection and analysis (at Cardiff), with access to training courses in the Doctoral Training Academy. Training throughout the PhD will focus on developing the necessary skills to complete the PhD as well as transferable skills that will be of benefit within the wider engineering community.
Candidates should hold a good bachelor’s degree (first or upper second-class honours degree) or a MSc degree in an area of Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, or other relevant areas. Knowledge in finite element analysis and musculoskeletal modelling are desired. Previous laboratory or field experience and MATLAB/Python coding would be advantageous.
Research Environment
This studentship is at the heart of an international collaboration between Cardiff University and KU Leuven, that focusses on exchange of research methods for musculoskeletal modelling. The successful applicant will join an international team, based in the world-leading Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Facility (MSKBRF) at Cardiff. The student will have regular supervisory meetings and will work alongside other PhD researchers within the research team and the School of Engineering to ensure good networking and support opportunities.
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)
Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/engineering ) including;
· an upload of your CV
· a personal statement/covering letter
· two references (applicants are recommended to have a third academic referee, if the two academic referees are within the same department/school)
· Current academic transcripts
Applicants should select Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering), with a start date of October 2021.
In the research proposal section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project and copy the project description in the text box provided. In the funding section, please select "I will be applying for a scholarship / grant" and specify that you are applying for advertised funding, reference CHDTP21