About the Project
Cardiovascular Health; maximising the key physiological and biochemical effects of exercise and other novel interventions in atherosclerosis.
To celebrate the University’s research successes, the University of Hull is offering a full-time UK/EU PhD Scholarship or International Fees Bursary for candidates applying for the following project in the Hull-York Medical School.
Closing date: - 13th March 2017
Studentships will start on 1st October 2017
BackgroundEvery year in the UK, cardiovascular disease (CVD) kills over 160,000 individuals (including 40,000 premature deaths) and accounts for 16.2% of all hospital admissions. Yorkshire and the Humber has one of highest age-standardised CVD death rates in the UK. Atherosclerostic CVD is a major research theme in the HYMS strategic plan.
Exercise regimes provide a clinical and cost effective therapy for both coronary and peripheral vascular disease. However, the physiological and biochemical changes that underpin the beneficial effects of exercise in CVD are unclear. We believe that the identification of these mechanisms may allow us to design new exercise treatment modalities and become a national focal point for exercise related research in patients with atherosclerostic CVD.
This cluster of PhD projects is therefore strategically aligned with the aims of the new Institute for Clinical and Applied Health Research (ICAHR), but will also promote cross faculty collaboration by coalescing specialists with internationally recognised expertise in peripheral vascular disease (Chetter/Smith), cardiology (Hoye), health and exercise (Ingle), and muscle metabolism (Matsakas) into a new research foci.
All students will join a vibrant community of current PhD students/fellows. The current seminar programme encourages interaction between doctoral students, research associates and fellows. HYMS registered students also have access to the research training modules provided by the Universities of both Hull and York.
Project DescriptionThis is a mixed methods (including systemic literature review) PhD project on prehabilitation prior to surgery in patients with critical lower limb ischaemia (CLI). CLI results in continuous pain and / or tissue loss (gangrene). The incidence of CLI is approximately 500 / million population / year. Approximately 75% of CLI patients undergo intervention (revascularisation or amputation) but given the high incidence of co-morbidities (smoking, heart disease, diabetes, renal failure etc) the incidence of post operative complications and mortality is relatively high. We have demonstrated that a preoperative exercise programme improve outcome in other atherosclerotic disease1. Patients with CLI are often in pain and frequently have severely impaired mobility. We aim to assess whether a pre-operative, predominantly upper limb, exercise programme is feasible, acceptable & efficacious in CLI patients. Outcomes will include recruitment & exercise programme completion rates, pain scores, quality of life analysis, markers of endothelial and platelet dysfunction & cardiorespiratory fitness, and post operative morbidity and mortality. The student would be responsible for obtaining approvals, recruitment, intervention and follow up.
This project is suitable for a student with quantitative skills (e.g. has degree in the health / biomedical sciences – including allied health, sports science etc). The PhD will provide the opportunity for the student to expand quantitative skills and gain experience with standard patient-reported outcome measures and clinical trials.
How to ApplyTo apply for these Scholarships please click on the Apply button below.
Applications should be made through the HYMS web site stating the project title and supervisor’s name.
Full-time UK/EU PhD Scholarships will include fees at the ‘home/EU’ student rate and maintenance (£14,553 in 2017/18) for three years, depending on satisfactory progress.
Full-time International Fee PhD Studentships will include full fees at the International student rate for three years, dependent on satisfactory progress.
PhD students at the University of Hull follow modules for research and transferable skills development and gain a Masters level Certificate, or Diploma, in Research Training, in addition to their research degree.
Successful applicants will be informed of the award as soon as possible and by 8th May 2017 at the latest.
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