Biomechanical and physiological benefits of swimming training programs on individuals with physical impairments

Little is currently known about the biomechanical (e.g. strength, joint mobility, coordination) and physiological (e.g. aerobic capacity) benefits of high level, sustained aquatic exercise, for physically impaired individuals. The aim of this project is to evaluate the effect of swimming training on the physical fitness profiles of physically impaired individuals.

PROJECT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Physical activity and sport are important to many people, including those with physical impairments, yet studies of trained physically impaired individuals are surprisingly scarce (Van de Vliet et al. 2006). Individuals with physical impairments tend to be less physically active than their able-bodied peers and consequently may possess decreased aerobic capacity, muscle endurance, balance, strength, joint range of motion and coordination.
Aquatic exercise has a number of advantages over land-based exercises, especially for individuals with physical impairments. Exercise in water can be achieved with less loading of the joints which is advantageous for individuals who have muscle weakness, poor joint alignment and joint pain. The water can provide buoyancy for postural support and variable resistance to three-dimensional limb movements to promote strength and power development. Individuals with impairments of the lower extremity, who rely on the support of a wheelchair or prosthetics on land, can exercise free of these devices in the water.

Aquatic exercise, including swimming, can benefit individuals with intellectual impairments in terms of improved cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular endurance, speed, balance, and agility (Yilmaz et al. 2009; Fragala-Pinkham et al. 2008). It has also been shown to improve the gross motor function, aerobic capacity and swimming skills of children with cerebral palsy (Aleksandrović et al. 2015) and the strength, flexibility and balance of individuals with Downs Syndrome (Querido et al. 2015).

The vast majority of research into the benefits of aquatic exercise for physically impaired individuals has, understandably, focussed on untrained groups using relatively low intensity exercise. Very little is currently known about the biomechanical and physiological adaptations (strength, power, joint mobility, coordination, aerobic capacity) induced in physically impaired individuals by programmes of high level, sustained aquatic exercise, or how these adaptations differ from those of able-bodied individuals. Such knowledge would provide an important insight into how specific physical impairments and conditions impose a limit on an individual’s level of ‘trainability’.

The aim of this project is to evaluate the effect of swimming training on the physical fitness profiles of physically impaired individuals.

The objectives are to:
1. Establish a database of biomechanical measures (strength, power, joint mobility, coordination) for each of four groups: i) highly trained swimmers from selected physical impairment groups (e.g. cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, achondroplasia, spinal cord injury), ii) non-trained individuals from selected physical impairment groups; iii) highly trained able-bodied swimmers; iv) non-trained able-bodied individuals.
2. Establish a database of physiological measures (aerobic and anaerobic capacity, BLa and HR responses) for each of the four groups outlined in 1.
3. Identify, the effects of high level swimming training and physical impairment on the biomechanical and physiological measures, by conducting inter-group comparisons.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROJECT
The successful candidate will:
 hold a good first degree in sport science, adapted physical activity, rehabilitation science, physiotherapy or similar. A higher degree in a related discipline is very desirable but not essential;
 have a strong background in conducting biomechanical and physiological measurements in the laboratory and in the field;
 be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge on a range of physical impairments. Experience of working with physically impaired individuals is highly desirable;
 possess a high level of competency in working with databases, in utilizing data processing and analysis software, and in conducting statistical analyses;
have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be able to demonstrate critical and innovative thinking, to provide solutions to problems, and work in an interdisciplinary way.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

Fully funded PhD studentships at MMU are only available to home and EU students.
SUPERVISORY TEAM
Dr Carl Payton (Director of studies; [Email Address Removed]; MMU ext. 5451)- All informal enquiries should be directed to the DoS.
Dr Ine Van Caekenberghe (co-supervisor); Dr Chris Morse (co-supervisor)

HOW TO APPLY
Please quote the studentship reference number CP20151.
Applications should be completed using the Postgraduate Research Degree Application Form
Application Form should be emailed to: [Email Address Removed].
PLEASE NOTE that Section 9 of the application should be used to write a personal statement outlining your suitability for the study, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date.
CLOSING DATE

Friday 16th October 2015, 4.30pm
Interviews will take place on 13th November 2015.