Reference: SSEHS/JPF/2
Closing date of advert: 9 July 2021
Start date: October 2021
Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time (3 years)
Fee band: UK/EU: TBC; international: £24,100
Primary supervisor: Professor Jonathan Folland, Email: [Email Address Removed], Phone: +44(0)1509 226334 - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/ssehs/staff/jonathan-folland/
Secondary supervisor: Dr Tom Balshaw, https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/ssehs/staff/tom-balshaw/
Resistance training (RT) is a highly popular physical activity, that can over time elicit profound improvements in physical function (i.e. neuromuscular strength and power) and is thus widely
recommended for competitive athletes, prevention and rehabilitation of injury and illness, as well as healthy ageing. Strength and power are underpinned by muscle morphology, principally muscle size, with demonstrable muscle growth (hypertrophy) occurring after regular resistance training. However the optimisation of resistance training in order to stimulate muscle growth remains opaque. Various training parameters and specific mechanical aspects of the training have been hypothesised as important stimuli for muscle growth. The amplitude and volume of neuromuscular activation during training compared to habitual activity could also be crucial. In many cases, though, empirical evidence on the optimisation of muscle growth is lacking. This PhD will examine the optimisation of resistance training for inducing increases in muscle growth, and could be applied to /involve different populations: athletes and young people, older adults or rehabilitation following injury. In addition, the relationship of morphological adaptations (including muscle growth) with functional improvements, and potentially also neural adaptation, will be investigated.
The project will involve a range of neuromuscular techniques, including functional outputs (force, velocity and power), ultrasound and MRI imaging to assess muscle morphology, as well as measurement of neuromuscular activation (electromyography) and contractile properties.
Entry requirements:
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, a minimum of 2:1 (or equivalent) in Sport and Exercise Science, or a related degree subject. A relevant MSc degree (e.g. in Exercise Physiology, Sports Biomechanics or similar) would be an advantage. In addition, demonstrable interest/experience of neuromuscular research would be preferred.
How to apply:
All applications should be made online. Under school/department name, select 'Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences'. Please quote reference SSEHS/JPF/2.
English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the international website.
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