The effects of physical activity, sedentary time and nutritional practices on pregnancy outcomes.

This is a PhD project.

Supervisors: Dr Maria Faulkner (ATU, Donegal), Dr Gemma McMonagle (ATU, Sligo), Dr Sinéad Currie (University of Sterling) and Dr. Lizzy Deery (University of Chester).

Project Summary:

There is compelling evidence that regular physical activity and healthy nutritional practices have positive outcomes, physical and psychological, in pregnancy for both mother and baby (Mills et al 2019). While globally these policies have received recent attention (World Health Organisation, 2020) disparity remains between policy and implementing guidelines into real world practice, particularly within an Irish setting (HSE 2018 and 2022, Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists et al 2019).

This research aims to assess the current and past experiences of pregnant people with respect to physical activity, sedentary time and nutritional practices and their relationship with pregnancy outcomes. The study will then implement and examine the effects of a theory based, behaviour change physical activity and nutrition intervention on pregnancy outcomes.

Firstly, a systematic review will be completed to assess existing evidence within this area. Secondly, the experiences of current and past pregnant people will be evaluated. Participants’ physical activity, sedentary time and nutritional practices will be assessed and their relationship with various pregnancy outcomes examined. Finally, a theory based, behaviour change physical activity and nutrition intervention will be implemented and the effects on pregnancy outcomes measured.

Candidate Qualifications/Requirements:

A First or Upper Second-Class Honours Degree in a discipline relevant to the proposed area of study e.g., sport science, nutrition, psychology, health science etc. is required. A Master’s degree in a relevant area of study is desirable. Experience of completing undergraduate and/or postgraduate level modules in research methods and research project is desirable.

Application Process

1. To apply for this PhD project, please complete the following application form and return to the [Email Address Removed] with all the relevant documentation by 5:00pm, Thursday 9th June.
2. Please include "PHD.4" in the subject of the email.