Improving health in older people with cognitive impairment through technology at home

Application details:
Reference number: SSEHS/EH/20
Start date of studentship: 1 January 2021
Closing date of advert: 7 October 2020
Interview date: 19 and 20 (afternoon only) October 2020

Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship funded by Loughborough University. The successful applicant will work alongside Prof Eef Hogervorst and Prof Hignett to conduct world-leading research investigating home-based technology for older people to engage with exercise and other health-promoting activities to improve memory, independence and wellbeing.

The project will be based within the School of Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences, which has an excellent international reputation for teaching and research across a diverse range of disciplines including sports participation and health and well-being.

Find out more: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/ssehs/

Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014). In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.

Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

The studentship will benefit from existing and productive collaborations producing high-quality outputs (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers). You will be part of a team with two other new PhDs investigating home design to help people with dementia live independently.

Full Project Detail:
The overall aim of the studentship will be to review and evaluate existing home-based activity promoting technology to improve physical and psychological health in older adults living with cognitive impairment.

The successful applicant will develop both quantitative and qualitative research skills throughout the course of the studentship.

In year-one, a review of the literature is done. Data from an existing cohort to investigate willingness to engage with exercise-related and other home-based technology is analysed. Technology to promote exercise at home that aims to improve cognitive performance, independence and well-being in older people with cognitive impairment is tested in years-two and three.

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Human factors, Psychology, Human Physiology/Biology, Design/Ergonomics or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in Research Methods will be an advantage.

It is essential that students have knowledge of statistics and it is desirable to have experience in software programming, qualitative analyses and behavioural testing. Working with older vulnerable people is required and therefore a DBS check needs to be completed and included in the application.

How to apply:
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select “School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences”.

Please quote reference number: SSEHS/EH/20