Virtual reality technology has shown extensive potential to transform healthcare; from medical training during COVID-19 to rehabilitation and mental health care. This exciting PhD studentship will explore its value in improving health and wellbeing in people with type 2 diabetes.
This studentship starts in October 2022. The student will be based at the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (https://www.bristolbrc.nihr.ac.uk/), and will receive comprehensive multi-disciplinary support from experts in virtual reality technology, diabetes and physical activity. They will have access to world-leading facilities at the Cardiff’s School of Healthcare Science (e.g. portable virtual reality based clinical movement analysis system) and collaborate closely with researchers at the CREATE lab in Bath (https://www.bath.ac.uk/research-groups/human-computer-interaction-the-create-lab/). The student will learn to adapt technology to address global health challenges.
The studentship offers the opportunity to develop ground-breaking skills in running virtual reality research in community settings. They will form strong community-based diabetes networks (e.g. the local Diabetes UK team, healthcare providers) and visit NHS Trusts with which the supervisory team collaborate. By the end of the programme, the student will have gained confidence in translational research methods and in developing partnerships to maximise research impact.
Core to this PhD Programme is to support the student become an independent researcher. The student will be able to tailor the project to their research interests. They will lead activities with people living with type 2 diabetes to make informed decisions about the research design. They will additionally receive training in qualitative research methods, systematic review, remote cognitive assessment, movement analysis and public health.
Towards the end of the programme, the student will have the unique opportunity to undergo a placement in industry.
Project overview
The latest national guidelines recommend regular physical activity as fundamental to the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Increasing activity levels and structured exercise improves weight control, insulin sensitivity, metabolic and mental health, and is protective against diabetes and frailty-related medical complications. Motivating people with type 2 diabetes make positive changes in activity levels can help them enjoy the benefits that regular physical activity brings.
This interdisciplinary project aims to explore the utility of virtual reality technology to help people with type 2 diabetes gain physical skills and confidence to become more active. Virtual reality technology can deliver a personalised exercise programme that provides real-time feedback on movement quality and increases engagement in patients who might not adhere to prescribed exercise. Collaboration between participating institutions (Bristol, Bath, Cardiff) will ensure suitability to people with type 2 diabetes, and capture data on diabetes self-management and mental health.
Co-design research methodologies will be used to characterise the mobility difficulties faced by people living with type 2 diabetes, as well as identify and map movements in virtual reality that these individuals enjoy, that aid physical functioning, and encourage participation in activities available in the community or accessible from home. The information gathered will be used to adapt a virtual reality system that has already been successfully developed for rehabilitation.
A pilot study will follow with adults from diverse backgrounds who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and have poor glycaemic control. Participants will be invited to take part in a 12-week virtual reality activity programme and we will examine its impact on diabetes self-management. The student will learn to conduct full body functioning assessments and remote evaluations of cognitive function with virtual reality (a novel approach). An improved understanding of the link between cognitive functioning and enjoyment of physical activity can inform innovative multicomponent interventions.
The outputs from this project will be peer-reviewed publications, guidelines for the customisation of virtual reality based activities, as well as the acquisition of partnerships and a skillset that will place the student in a strong position to receive post-doctoral research funding. Outcomes of this project will be disseminated with industry, academics, health professionals, the general public and other stakeholders through conference attendance, public engagement, and invited talks.
Candidate requirements
Applications are welcome from highly numerate individuals across a wide range of disciplines who have, or are expected to achieve, at least a 2:1 or higher degree (or equivalent) and/or a master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
How to apply
Student applications can be made via the GW4 BioMed2 website: https://www.gw4biomed.ac.uk. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday, 26th November 2021. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an informal interview (over the phone, on Skype or Zoom) between Monday 31st January 2022 and Friday 11th February 2022. The formal interviews will be held virtually on the 16th and 17th February 2022.
A GW4 BioMed2 MRC DTP studentship includes full tuition fees at the UK/Home rate, a stipend at the minimum UKRI rate (£15,609 for 21/22), a Research & Training Support Grant (RTSG) valued between £2,000-£5,000 per year and £300 annual travel and conference grant based on a 3.5-year full-time studentship. These funding arrangements will be adjusted pro-rata for part-time studentships.
The GW4 BioMed2 MRC DTP studentships are available to UK, EU and International applicants. The GW4 institutions have all agreed to cover the difference in cost between home and international tuition fees. This means that International candidates will not be expected to cover this cost.
For any informal queries about the studentship, please contact Sarah Sauchelli Toran ([Email Address Removed]).
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