Examining the relationship between stroke location, muscle function and walking performance in young stroke survivors

Nearly all young adults who have had a stroke have difficulty walking and yet there is very little research to understand the causes of this. Difficulty walking significantly restricts the ability to complete activities of daily living, participate in social activities and return to employment after stroke. Understanding how gait is affected following a stroke is key to developing better informed rehabilitation programmes to restore independence and improve quality of life. 

This project will investigate how the neuromuscular systems co-ordinates us to walk. This project will work with young adults who have had a stroke, and the aim is to better understand how gait and muscle function changes with stroke to better inform rehabilitation. Data collection will involve measuring three-dimensional biomechanical function and electromyography to capture motor unit recruitment and muscle co-ordination during walking in young adults who have had a stroke. 

Previous experience in collection and analysis of biomechanical data is preferable, but full training will be provided on all components.

This is part of a wider Masters by Research recruitment drive where the best four or five candidates across all projects will be appointed. Find out more about the Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine Research Centre and see what other opportunities are available.