Sport and Exercise Sciences: Fully Funded Swansea University PhD Scholarship: Examining Biomechanical, Neuromuscular, and Muscle-Tendon Changes Following Meniscal Surgery

Funding provider: Swansea University

Subject areas: Sport Sciences/ Biomechanics

Project start date: 

• 1 October 2023 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Supervisors:

• Dr Chelsea Starbuck (Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University)
• Professor Neil Bezodis (Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University)
• Dr Shane Heffernan (Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University)

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Sport and Exercise Science

Mode of study: Full-time

Project description:

Traumatic knee injuries such as those to the meniscus are common in sports and contribute considerably to the Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) global burden of disease. Surgical interventions account for 63.8% of meniscus injury cases and represent a significant load on national health systems. Despite surgery, most individuals continue to experience pain, swelling, and poor knee function in their affected knee and are three times more likely to develop KOA compared to their contralateral knee. Currently, there is limited data on the internal forces of the knee or the periarticular muscle-tendon properties before and after meniscal repair surgery. Understanding the change in these mechanical properties following surgical intervention could improve post-operative rehabilitation and reduce the risk of developing KOA.

This PhD will examine biomechanical, neuromuscular, and muscle-tendon changes before and after surgery. The project will apply 3D motion capture data collection methods, existing musculoskeletal models, and imaging techniques (using ultrasound) to develop new data exploring internal knee forces and periarticular muscle-tendon properties before and after meniscal repair surgery. It is envisaged that this will improve the understanding of meniscal injuries, short and long-term consequences of surgery, which could lead to new interventions and healthcare technologies.

We invite applicants with an interest and/or experience in motion capture data collection, musculoskeletal modelling, or ultrasonography to work in a progressive and diverse research environment.

Please note: interviews for those applicants shortlisted will take place the week commencing 19 June 2023.

Eligibility

Candidates must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Sports Science or similar relevant science discipline. 

Essential: BSc in Sports and Exercise Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or another relevant discipline (minimum 2:1).

Desirable: MSc in Sports and Exercise Sciences (Biomechanics), Biomedical Engineering, or another relevant discipline.

English Language requirements: If applicable – IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 5.5 in each individual component) or Swansea recognised equivalent.

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations.