Development of the infant foot: morphology, structure and function

Start date: January 2017

This PhD project is part of our five-year GREAT FOUNDATIONS initiative (https://greatfoundations.org.uk/). This work is a collaborative programme between the Universities of Brighton and Salford (student will be based at the Eastbourne campus, University of Brighton). This PhD studentship will require the successful candidate to design, conduct and manage high quality biomechanical research which will deliver advances with understanding of the development and function of infant’s and children’s feet. This is a multi disciplinary project and would suit candidates with an appropriate allied health professional qualification (e.g. podiatry and physiotherapy), but also a sports science and/or human movement science qualification

Recognising the structural and functional development of the paediatric foot throughout childhood is important for health professionals working in this area. Changes with the structure and function of the feet during childhood are rapid, but factors impacting on the growth trajectory and functional development remain poorly understood. This PhD project is part of our five-year funded GREAT FOUNDATIONS initiative (https://greatfoundations.org.uk/). This work is a collaborative programme between the Universities of Brighton and Salford (student will be based at the Eastbourne campus, University of Brighton).
This is a multi disciplinary project and would suit candidates with an appropriate allied health professional qualification (e.g. podiatry and physiotherapy), but also a sports science and/or human movement science qualification.
This PhD studentship will require the successful candidate to design, conduct and manage high quality biomechanical research, which will allow us to:

1. Describe the trajectory (and typical variation) of foot development across infancy and early childhood
2. Explore how changes in infancy and early childhood, including foot morphology, relate to dynamic (kinematic and kinetic) parameters of foot and lower limb function
3. Define the developmental characteristics which impact on foot development during infancy and early childhood

Upon completion of the PhD the successful candidate will have a wide range of biomechanical knowledge and expertise, have become skilled in the use of a range of data collection techniques (including plantar pressure and motion capture), and have demonstrated high skills in data analysis. The successful candidate will gain knowledge in the area of child development, and thus have an understanding of motor control and neurological development alongside developmental biomechanics of the foot and lower limb. The PhD is expected to lead to several high profile publications and presentation at relevant conferences.

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree and desirably hold or expect to achieve excellent grades in a masters degree, in a relevant subject from a UK university or comparable qualifications from another recognised university.