The effects of therapeutic interventions and their underpinning mechanisms in patients with cardiovascular disease and low skeletal muscle strength and mass (RDF19/HLS/SER/O'DOHERTY)

Abnormally low skeletal muscle strength and mass, termed sarcopenia, is related to increased hospital admissions, disability, reduced quality of life and risk of early mortality. We have recently demonstrated that there is an increased prevalence of low skeletal muscle mass in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). We also identified that such low a level of skeletal muscle mass increased the risk of predicted mortality. Therefore, interventions that target improving or maintaining skeletal muscle strength and mass in people with sarcopenia and CVD are required.

Therapeutic lifestyle interventions to improve skeletal muscle strength and mass include resistance exercise training and dietary alterations. However, the primary focus of exercise and dietary interventions in CVD prevention has been aerobic exercise training and lipid modification, respectively. Our recent national survey of exercise provision in cardiac rehabilitation highlights the predominant focus on aerobic exercise training and the underuse of resistance exercise training. Specific exercise training and dietary strategies that benefit patients with CVD and sarcopenia need to be understood.

This project will involve conducting a series of studies aimed at investigating the efficacy and the mechanisms of therapeutic interventions (resistance exercise and dietary) that target improving skeletal muscle strength and mass in patients with CVD. This PhD is based at Northumbria University and you will work with Dr Alasdair O’Doherty (Lecturer in Health and Exercise Science, Northumbria University), Dr Simon Nichols (Senior Research Fellow, Sheffield Hallam University & Scientific Officer for the British Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation) and Dr Stuart Goodall (Senior Lecturer in Exercise Science, Northumbria University).

We are seeking a self-motivated and enthusiastic student who is passionate about improving patient-centred outcomes in the areas of CVD and sarcopenia. A good understanding of cardiovascular and/or musculoskeletal physiology and experience in the delivery of exercise interventions would be an advantage.
Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply for this funding if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please note: Applications that do not include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words (not a copy of the advert), or that do not include the advert reference (e.g. RDF18/…) will not be considered.

Deadline for applications: Friday 25 January 2019
Start Date: 1 October 2019

Northumbria University is an equal opportunities provider and in welcoming applications for studentships from all sectors of the community we strongly encourage applications from women and under-represented groups.

Faculty: Health and Life Sciences
Department: Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation
Principal Supervisor: Dr Alasdair O’Doherty