Developing accessible technologies and methods to support behaviour change and/or measure physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children with intellectual disabilities

Start Date: October 2017
Stipend: RCUK rate

This multi-disciplinary PhD will provide excellent opportunities for the student to develop cutting-edge research skills relevant to the study of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and health.

Background
Children and adults with intellectual disabilities experience significant health inequalities. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that many individuals with intellectual disabilities have sedentary lifestyles and levels of physical activity well below recommended levels for health maintenance. Interventions to increase the physical activity levels of individuals with intellectual disabilities can potentially contribute to health improvement. However, existing interventions show limited effectiveness for increasing physical activity, reducing sedentary behaviour, and promoting positive health outcomes in individuals with intellectual disabilities. Therefore, there is a need to develop evidence-based, population-specific interventions for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Aims
This PhD studentship will be on a topic relevant to the development of novel and innovative approaches to support individuals with intellectual disabilities to lead more active lives and/or reduce sedentary time.

We welcome applications in line with the research topic listed below. The topic could be the development of a novel physical activity intervention or be on an area that informs future research to develop interventions. There is scope for the final details of the research to be discussed between the successful candidate and the research supervisors.

Research topic
- Developing accessible technologies and methods to support behaviour change and/or measure physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children with intellectual disabilities (Project lead: Arlene McGarty)

We encourage all interested candidates to contact the project lead listed above for support to develop project ideas prior to submitting an application.

Person specification
Applications are invited from UK and EU students who meet residency requirements.

Applicants should have obtained, or expect to obtain a 2:1 or first class honours degree in a relevant subject, such as physical activity and health, sports science, exercise psychology, or sociology.

Previous research training from an appropriate Master’s degree is desirable but not essential

How to apply
Applications will only be accepted through the University of Glasgow online system.

Applicants should submit a two-page A4 research proposal on their topic of interest. The research proposal should fit within one of the three proposed research topics. A CV, supporting statement and 2 references should be included with your application.

The contact details of the supervisor is:

Dr Arlene McGarty: [Email Address Removed]