Concussion Care and Neuro-Recovery: investigating the prevalence and potential mechanisms of chronic brain injury

The University of Exeter and the University of Queensland are seeking exceptional students to join a world-leading, cross-continental research team tackling major challenges facing the world’s population in global sustainability and wellbeing as part of the recently launched QUEX Institute.

Find out more about the PhD Studentships www.exeter.ac.uk/quex/phds


Project Description:

Sport is generally highly protective of health and well-being. However, athletes, parents, schools and sporting governing bodies of all contact sports worldwide are concerned that sports-related concussion (SRC) can reduce quality of health/life in current and retired athletes. Concern regarding SRC has been expressed through media and government bodies. In rugby, which is a sport with one of the highest level of concussion per player hour, the cases of Ben Robinson, a schoolboy who died after suffering repeated SRC, and Lily Partridge, a young Devon player who also died after repeated injury, have led to increased concerns over player safety. As well as such extreme acute effects, there has also been a growing concern over whether repeated concussions are linked with early dementia (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)). In response to such concerns at the professional level, regulators have initiated changes to rules to mitigate such risk (e.g. tackling, guidance on graduated return to play (GRTP) following recovery). However, it is acknowledged that guidelines for GRTP lack a coherent evidence base, and are not individualised as they might be.

To investigate the prevalence and potential mechanisms of chronic brain injury the proposed PhD will utilize high level neuroimaging, neurocognitive testing, physiological, bio-mechanical and blood (Tau) marker signs of injury in a large group of player participants. Longitudinal measures will be taken during pre-season training and then at intervals through the season, with involvement (alongside concussion clinic) of testing of any in-season concussion, and post-season.

A key goal will be to develop a battery of tests to create individual player biometric passports that can be used to identify quantitative measures that predict when it is safe to return to play. Populations available for this work include elite University Rugby players (UoE and UQ), academy players and current professional players of rugby (including Exeter Chiefs and Brisbane Broncos). In the latter stages the PhD will examine whether supplementation with nutraceuticals such as flavonoids is able to hasten recovery from concussion. Animal studies and one human Phase II trial suggest that flavonoids hasten recovery from traumatic brain injury. However, this has not been assessed in sport concussion.

In conjunction with determining markers of damage the studentship will also involve designing methods for the analysis of risk (exposure to concussion) and examining protective factors (social networks; diet & exercise; return to play paradigm) which mitigate the risk in current functions in athletes.



Academic Entry Requirements:

Applicants should be highly motivated and have, or expect to obtain, either a first or upper-second class BSc (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click for http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/english/ more information and a list of acceptable alternative tests.


How to apply

To apply, complete the online form (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/money/funding/application/). You will be asked to submit some personal details and upload a full CV, supporting statement, academic transcript and details of two academic referees. Your supporting statement should outline your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake this project, with particular reference to the collaborative nature of the partnership with the University of Queensland, and how this will enhance your training and research.

Applicants who are chosen for interview will be notified on 21 September 2017.

Please quote reference 2664 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.