Coventry University (CU) is inviting applications from suitably-qualified graduates for a fully-funded PhD studentship
This project aims to understand issues related to tissue laxity in the most common connective tissue disorders. This includes patient experiences of joint laxity and soft tissue fragility, so we learn what to ask about and look for; and quantitative measures of tissue mechanics, so we can objectively measure soft tissue laxity. It is hoped that the information can be used to improve the diagnosis of these conditions.
Connective tissue disorders are an under-recognised cause of pain in people attending musculoskeletal clinics. The conditions are associated with hypermobile joints; problems with movement, fatigue, and recurrent injury; and reduced physical and psychological function. However, many of these features are shared with other conditions, making connective tissue disorders difficult to detect. Diagnosis of the two most common conditions, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos-Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), is currently based on clinical history and physical examination, with reliance on the 9-point Beighton joint mobility score. However, this score is subjective; it excludes many joints and soft tissues; and is affected by factors other than the integrity of connective tissues. Improving diagnosis could lead to earlier and more successful management.
We do not fully understand patients’ experiences of joint laxity and soft tissue fragility. Patient reports of scarring, easy bruising and poor healing may help clinicians to identify these disorders more easily. Better objective measures of tissue mechanics might also be able to distinguish between hEDS/HSD and healthy tissues. This project therefore aims to (a) understand patients’ experiences of joint laxity and soft tissue fragility and (b) to validate methods of objectively assessing tissue stiffness.
Key Words
Hypermobility, diagnosis, stiffness
Training and Development
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.
All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.
Entry criteria for applicants to PhD
- A bachelor’s (honours) degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum classification of 2:1 and a minimum mark of 60% in the project element (or equivalent), or an equivalent award from an overseas institution.
- The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years
- An adequate proficiency in English must be demonstrated by applicants whose first language is not English. The general requirement is a minimum overall IELTS Academic score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the four sections, or the TOEFL iBT test with a minimum overall score of 95 with a minimum of 21 in each of the four sections.
- An appropriate professional background which has included training and experience in the physical assessment of musculoskeletal conditions (such as biomechanics, physiotherapy, sports rehabilitation)
For further details please visit:
https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/making-an-application/research-entry-criteria/
https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/making-an-application/
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