The successful candidate is expected to conduct a project aimed to: (i) to explore the current understanding of the government-supported dietary guidelines (e.g., eating-well and My Plate) and the degree of compliance of adult populations (ii) to analyse the impact of diets with different macronutrient distribution ranges (e.g., the Mediterranean vs Moderate or high protein diets), on markers of health (body composition, including visceral fat, physical activity level, functional capacity) in middles aged and older adults. (iii) to determine appropriate individualised macronutrient distribution ranges in grams per kg of body mass, considering the individuals’ daily activities (e.g., active, athlete, sedentary) as the reference criteria to determine the corresponding nutritional needs.
The project will involve three phases
Phase 1: Systematic review (following PRISMA guidelines) of the impact of diets with different macronutrient distribution ranges on body composition, physical capacity (strength, endurance) and well-being in health middle aged (>35 to 60 Yrs.) and older adults (>60 Yrs.). Additionally, a retrogression model using the absolute relative amount (grams per kg BM) of each macronutrient will be conducted.
Phase 2: Dietary multi-factorial survey study aimed to investigate the understanding and degree of compliance with government-supported dietary guidelines in adults (> 35 Yrs.) from different countries (e.g., Spain, the UK, Italy). In addition, associations between the ingested macronutrient distribution range, level of physical activity and body fatness via body mass index) will be explored.
Phase 3: Includes descriptive and interventional studies
(i) Observational cross-sectional descriptive study using volunteer to participate and being assessed in body composition, well-being, and physical performance. Having access to all Go-fit fitness centre in Spain and Portugal it is estimated a minimum sample of 250 participants.
(ii) Based on the results obtained from the systematic review, the survey, and the observational study a 24-week follow up, randomised, balanced, and controlled 3-parallel groups between-participants intervention will be conducted. The study is aimed to analyse the compliance with diets using three different macronutrient distribution range (emerging form the previous studies) in physically active adults individuals (i) >5 g/kg/d of carbohydrates ~1.2 g/kg/d of proteins and ~0.5 g/k/d of fats (ii) >3 to < 5 g/kg/d of carbohydrates ~1.6 g/kg/d of proteins and ~0.8 g/k/d of fats (iii) <3 g of carbohydrates >1.6 up to 2 g/kg/d of proteins and ~1 g/k/d of fats.
Additionally, we will explore the impact of the three different diets intervention on body composition, physical performance, and well-being.
Recruitment: Our research group is granted to access all members of Go-fit fitness centres in Spain and Portugal. In addition, we intend to recruit participants from the University of Greenwich campuses.
Results analysis: For the observational and interventional studies, the effects of different diets will be assessed by comparing pre- to post- changes in body composition, well-being, and physical capacity. Adherence and compliance to the programmes will be analysed by individualised follow-up.
Data Analysis and dissemination: Processing and analysis will be conducted before preparation of scientific report, submission, and presentation.
Outcomes: (1) The expected results could significantly improve the understanding of a healthy diet by providing individualised nutritional advice for physically active adults. (2) Reduce unhealthy eating patterns in adults (3) Provide optimal nutritional support to exercise-induced outcomes in physically active adults.
Person Specification
Education and Training:
· 1st Class or 2nd class, First Division (Upper Second Class) honours degree or a taught master’s degree with a minimum average of 60% in all areas of assessment (UK or UK equivalent) in a relevant area to the proposed research project
· For those whose first language is not English and/or if from a country where English is not the majority spoken language (as recognised by the UKBA), a language proficiency score of at least IELTS 6.5 (in all elements of the test) or an equivalent UK VISA and Immigration secure English Language Test is required
· Previous experience of undertaking research (e.g. undergraduate or taught master’s dissertation) within the areas of sports science or sport nutrition
· Excellent oral and written communication skills
· Have completed a post graduate course with significant content in Sport Nutrition
· Experience in qualitative research methodologies relative to the candidate’s career level
· Demonstrable skill in working with and knowledge of target populations and key stakeholders (e.g., young, middle aged and older people, third sector organisations, local authority)
· Experience/knowledge of participatory research methods
· Understands the fundamental differences between a taught degree and a research degree in terms of approach and personal discipline/motivation
· Able to, under guidance, complete independent work successfully
· Has existing links with innovative alternative provision services in the UK
· Excellent collaborative skills and interest in mentorship, knowledge sharing, and partnership building with stakeholders of the research
· This scholarship may require Academic Technology Approval Scheme approval for the successful candidate if from outside of the EU/EEA
· The scholarship must commence before 31 March 2023
Information on the application process is available at: https://www.gre.ac.uk/research/study/apply/application-process.
Applications need to be made online via this link. No other form of application will be considered. All applications must include the following information. Applications not containing these documents will not be considered. Applicants must apply to the PhD Human Sciences Programme.
• VC Scholarship Reference Number - VCS-FEHHS-07-22– included in the personal statement section
• Personal Statement - outlining your motivation for applying for this PhD, and your previous research experience (e.g., as a research assistant or completing a dissertation).
• Academic qualification certificates/transcripts*
• IELTS/English Language certificate if you are an international applicant or if English is not your first language or you are from a country where English is not the majority spoken language as defined by the UK Border Agency *
• Research Proposal* (ca. 1500 words- please use template available from: https://www.gre.ac.uk/institute-lifecourse-development/phd-opportunities)
• Your complete CV*
• Two reference letters (one ideally from a dissertation supervisor)*
*upload to the qualification section of the application form. Attachments must be a PDF format.
Before submitting your application, you are encouraged to liaise with the Lead Supervisor on the details above.