About the Project
Development of a low-cost exercise programme for sedentary individuals with moderate/severe asthma at risk of an exacerbation (Ref: PHD/16/01)
We invite applications for this PhD studentship, which is funded by the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research (http://www.aukcar.ac.uk/) and provides an exciting opportunity to work with experts in Respiratory Medicine (Wilson, Davies), Exercise Science (Stratton) and Public Health (Jones) to devise and implement a novel exercise programme for sedentary individuals with moderate/severe asthma.
As asthma attacks result in major social and healthcare costs, novel methods of reducing them are required. Exercise interventions have been shown to improve quality of life, symptom free days and airway inflammation, suggesting a role for reducing attacks. However, short-term exercise interventions do not have long term benefits and patient acceptable sustainable interventions are required.
The project:
1) Literature review of exercise activity in adults
2) Development of a low-cost, exercise training programme
This will comprise of motivational interviews, individual exercise prescription (with moderate activity and strength training) and on-going motivation/encouragement. The exercise programme will be developed using available route map planning software to produce short circular exercise journeys interface. On-going interviews and budding will be used to encourage participation.
3) Feasibility testing of intervention
After baseline demographic and physiological assessments, 36 patients with asthma and a previous exacerbation will study assessments including shuttle walk test, activity measurements, asthma control and quality of life tests at baseline and 4-monthly periods for 12 months. Focus groups and/or semi-structured interviews will be conducted at the end of the study. Recruitment, completion and adherence rates will be captured.
Training opportunities:
Training will be provided in the areas of systematic reviewing, assessment of physiological measures & exercise capacity, exercise training, GIS based route map planning software, and clinical trials. Experience will also be gained in quantitative and qualitative analysis.
Supervisory Team:
Andrew Wilson*, Andy Jones*, Gareth Stratton+, Gwyn Davies+
*Norwich Medical School +Swansea University.
The successful candidate is expected to start their studentship in October 2016. The PhD position is based at University of East Anglia (UEA), Norwich.
Eligibility
Candidates should hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area, such as nursing, physiotherapy, psychology/behavioural science, exercise/sports science) or geography.
UK/EU and international students are welcome to apply, although only UK/EU tuition fees are covered by this studentship. International students will be required to pay the difference between UK/EU and international fees.
How to Apply
To apply, please return (in electronic form) your:
CV
Personal statement (up to a maximum of two A4 pages)
Degree certificates
Academic grades for your undergraduate degree
2 academic references
to: Maria Moller: [Email Address Removed]
The deadline for applications is Friday 17th June 2016.
Informal enquiries about this studentship are welcome, and may be directed to Andrew Wilson by email ([Email Address Removed]) or by telephone (+44 01603 591257).
Funding Notes
The studentship covers the full cost of UK/EU tuition fees, plus a tax free stipend of £14,057 p.a. for three years.
There will also be additional funds available for research expenses up to a value of £1890 per year.
UK/EU and international students are welcome to apply, although only UK/EU tuition fees are covered by this studentship. International students will be required to pay the difference between UK/EU and international fees.
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