Using MRI to elucidate the importance of physical activity to brain health and motor function in ageing

Research interests/description of main research theme:

We are looking to recruit a highly motivated PhD student to "Use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques to elucidate the importance of physical activity to brain health and motor function in ageing". This PhD project will combine state-of-the art brain (functional and structural MRI) and cardiac imaging and advanced data analysis methods to understand how physical activity effects brain health and motor function.

Using MRI we have previously quantified changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and brain oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) during low intensity exercise, showing that the increase in CBF during exercise at 30% and 50% maximal oxygen uptake is blunted in healthy, older people compared to younger counterparts. We have also demonstrated a positive association between cardiorespiratory fitness and brain grey matter volume across the adult age range, in particular in sensorimotor cortex, suggesting a causative relationship between physical activity levels and brain architecture.

This studentship will build on these observations to study a cohort of older people exposed to high levels of physical activity throughout their adulthood, and determine whether CBF and brain OEF during low intensity exercise are maintained closer to that in younger individuals, and can be explained by preservation of cardiac output in these individuals. Secondly, whether brain grey matter volume and cognitive and motor function are greater in these life-long exercisers compared to age-/gender-matched sedentary older volunteers. The project will also investigate whether pharmacologically blunting increases in cardiac output during exercise in healthy, young volunteers compromises brain perfusion and increases oxygen consumption, supporting the functional association between cardiac output deficits and brain perfusion in ageing.

This project will focus on healthy individuals and will provide mechanistic insight of the physiological control and correlates of age-related changes in brain architecture and perfusion, and cardiac and motor function. In the long run, results from this project aim to provide evidence to underpin research funding validating the positive impact of exercise intervention in promoting “successful brain ageing” leading to preservation of cognitive and motor function.

The student on this project would receive multidisciplinary training in in vivo human brain imaging and exercise physiology. The Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre (SPMIC) houses state-of-the-art brain imaging facilities and world-leading expertise, with 3 human MRI systems, MEG, EEG. (http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/spmic/). Excellent facilities and expertise exist for detailed investigation of human metabolic and physiological responses to exercise at the MRC/ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/generic/mrc-aruk/home.aspx) at the University of Nottingham, and motor function at the University of Birmingham.

Person Specification
Applicants should have a strong background in physics, and ideally background in physiology and neuroscience. They should have a commitment to research in MRI and hold or realistically expect to obtain at least an Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject. Candidates should have excellent quantitative skills, including a background in computing (preferably Matlab or C/C++), as well as mathematical and technical skills.

How to apply
Informal enquiries should be directed to [Email Address Removed] or [Email Address Removed]
Applications should be directed to Dr Lisa Fuller (email [Email Address Removed] ). To apply, please send:
• A detailed CV, including your nationality and country of birth;
• Names and addresses of two referees;
• A covering letter stating the project you are applying for and highlighting your research experience/capabilities


The interview date will be Monday the 5th of March 2018.