Neuro-biomechanics of motor recovery after stroke in response to rehabilitation (PomeroyU17SF)

The 3-year research investigation for this studentship will focus on advancing knowledge of the neuro-biomechanical mechanisms of movement recovery after stroke. This knowledge is needed to: (a) identify the targets for the provision of rehabilitation intervention to drive motor recovery; (b) development of rehabilitation interventions that can drive movement recovery mechanisms; and (c) identify what to measure clinically to enable rapid decisions about whether or not any specific intervention is likely to drive movement recovery. Thus the research will have direct relevance to the real world provision of rehabilitation for people after stroke.

The research can involve one or more of:
 Investigation of the neuro-biomechanical correlates of movement recovery in response to specific rehabilitation interventions;
 Development of neuro-biomechanical measures for potential use clinically;
 Iterative working with clinicians and/or stroke survivors to ascertain how neuro-biomechanical measures should be incorporated into routine stroke rehabilitation.

The supervisory team are members of the Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation Alliance (ABIRA): a multi-disciplinary, international research group. The student will be immersed into ABIRA and expertise available includes: neurophysiology; physiotherapy; movement science; medical statistics; health economics; and early phase evaluation of complex interventions. The immediate environment also includes: a state-of-the-art movement analysis laboratory (neurophysiology and biomechanics) and industrial collaborations for development of neuroscience-based rehabilitation technology.

Candidates should have at least an upper second class first or a Masters degree in an area with relevance to the research area for the studentship. This includes, but is not exclusive to: neuroscience, movement science, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. If participants in the studies are NHS patients then the student will require CRB clearance. Registration with a clinical professional body is not essential.

For more information about this project, visit http://www.abira.ac.uk/about-abira/ or contact Professor Valerie Pomeroy, [Email Address Removed]

Application deadline is 31st July 2018.

For more information on the supervisor for this project, please go here: https://www.uea.ac.uk/health-sciences/people/profile/v-pomeroy
Type of programme: PhD.
Start date of project: Flexible.
Mode of study: Full time.

Acceptable first degree: Neuroscience, Movement Science, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy or a subject in an area with relevance to the research area for the studentship.
Minimum entry requirement: 2:1