Enhancing Change of Direction Performance

A 3 year programme of research will be undertaken to investigate (1) sport-specific change of direction (COD) ability and the associated physical determinants (2) develop training interventions to enhance this quality in sport.

Background
The ability to change direction quickly and efficiently is an important quality for many sports Much research interest over the last two decades has focused on the physical determinants of COD ability in order to improve the understanding of COD to devise more effective conditioning programmes. Previous research has revealed that successful COD performance is associated with a number of muscle strength qualities including maximum, strength, eccentric strength, power and reactive strength However, much of this research focuses on global performance outcome without additionally considering underlying biomechanical determinants. There is a general lack of research regarding the kinematic and kinetic determinants of COD performance and whether there is an interaction with any of the physical qualities mentioned above. Furthermore, the validity of COD speed tests such as the 505 test have been questioned as they have found to be largely influenced by linear sprinting speed, when it is acknowledged that speed and COD ability are different physical qualities.

Whilst investigations exploring relationships between muscle strength qualities to COD ability are useful, there is a lack of well-designed strength training studies in athletic populations to assist practitioners to design more effective strength and conditioning programmes. More longitudinal research with improved study designs are needed to improve our understanding of the impact of specific strength training interventions, the adaptations (i.e., muscle architecture) within specific sporting populations and the interaction between different training methods (i.e., speed vs. strength). Aims: Therefore, the aim of this proposed research is to improve the understanding of sport-specific COD ability to develop training interventions to enhance this quality in sport.

Health Sciences Research at the University of Salford
The Centre for Health Sciences Research at the University of Salford comprises a multidisciplinary team of staff and research students drawn from the health professions and related disciplines. The research centre has world class research facilities including three biomechanics laboratories, a clinical imaging suite, a psychology lab and a rehabilitation flat. The School currently boasts over £5 million pounds of research funding and has extensive national and international links, with both academic and clinical partners. There is also a vibrant community of approximately 100 students studying either at Ph.D. level or Master’s by research.
For this studentship, you would work within Sport and Exercise Science research theme. This work will build on the excellent research profile established for the Sport and Exercise Science theme and further enhance links with industry (local professional and semi-professional sports teams).

To find out more the research undertaken in Health Sciences at Salford see http://www.salford.ac.uk/research/health-sciences/ and to learn more about studying for a Ph.D. n health sciences at Salford, see http://www.salford.ac.uk/research/health-sciences/postgraduate-research.

Eligibility
Applicants will be expected to hold a minimum of an upper second class degree in sports science, sports rehabilitation or a related area; demonstrate excellent communication skills through a variety of modes of communications, with a diverse range of individuals. In addition, experience working within team sports, recognised strength and conditioning qualifications (e.g. UKSCA or NSCA) and completion of an empirical research project as part of their previous studies is desirable.