The use of whole body cryotherapy as a preparation and recovery strategy in an elite football environment (Advert ref: RDF18/SER/THOMAS)

Modern day elite football poses a unique challenge to players. The multi-factorial demands of training and match play imposes significant metabolic, mechanical and cognitive stress, which is compounded by congested fixture periods and a long competition schedule. As a consequence, strategies to better prepare players for the rigours of the game, and accelerate recovery, have received fervent research attention (Nedelec et al., 2013a,b).

The application of cold in an attempt to attenuate the inflammatory response to exercise has been a particularly fertile area of research. Strategies such as cold water immersion (Leeder et al., 2011), application of temperature controlled phase change material (Clifford et al., 2017), and ice (Pointon et al., 2011) have all demonstrated varying levels of efficacy within the research literature. Whole body cryotherapy, which requires brief (2-3 min) exposures to extremely cold dry air (below −100°C), is becoming increasingly popular within professional environments, both as a recovery and preparation strategy. Although cryotherapy is increasingly employed in professional environments, the evidence supporting its efficacy is weak. Indeed, a recent Cochrane review identified equivocal effects of whole body cryotherapy on recovery, based on 4 small studies of low methodological quality (Costello et al. 2015). Further research to establish the efficacy of whole body cryotherapy is clearly warranted.

The aim of the proposed project is to evaluate the efficacy of whole body cryotherapy as a preparation and recovery strategy in an elite football environment. A unique opportunity exists for a suitable candidate to conduct applied research with a professional football club in the North East of England, who routinely use whole body cryotherapy in their day-to-day practice. The project will assess the physiological and psychological responses to whole body cryotherapy in an elite football population, and then evaluate its efficacy both as a preparation and recovery strategy for competition.

Eligibility and How to Apply
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please note: Applications that do not include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words (not a copy of the advert), or that do not include the advert reference (e.g. RDF18/…) will not be considered.

Deadline for applications: 28 January 2018
Start Date: 1 October 2018

Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff. We welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of our commitment to improving employment practices for the advancement of gender equality and is a member of the Euraxess network, which delivers information and support to professional researchers