Exercise and Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune, inflammatory, neurological disease of the central nervous system, the course of which is highly varied and unpredictable. In most patients, the disease is characterized initially by episodes of reversible neurological deficits, which is often followed by progressive neurological deterioration over time. Exercise training has emerged as an effective approach for managing many of these consequences of MS including mobility, cognitive dysfunction, symptoms of fatigue and depression, and compromised quality of life.

The University of the West of Scotland in collaboration with the Douglas Grant Rehabilitation Centre, is offering two fully funded PhD studentships (funded by the UWS and the Chief Scientific Officer of Scotland). The project will focus on the role of exercise in the treatment and care of patients with MS, and the broad aims of the studentships will be to examine the degree to which exercise may be beneficial to patients, both in the short and longer term, and will assess the how exercise may influence physiological or psychosocial improvements. We are seeking two determined individuals with ambitions of contributing new knowledge to the fields of exercise and the therapeutic treatment of MS and welcome applicants with experience in either quantitative and qualitative approaches.

We are looking for highly motivated candidates who have graduated from any relevant discipline including; Exercise Science; Exercise Physiology; Medicine; Physiotherapy; Occupational Therapy; or other Allied Health Profession. Applicants should hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum of a 2:1 Honours Degree, with a post graduate qualification being preferable. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate an active interest in the clinical exercise science and an understanding of the research methodologies employed in health and exercise research.

The Institute of Clinical Exercise and Health Science at the University of the West of Scotland is committed to the investigation of exercise and physical activity to support improved health in a variety of populations. The Institute combines expertise across a variety of domains, with a focus on interdisciplinary, high impact research. If you would like any more information regarding the studentships, please contact Professor Nick Sculthorpe ([Email Address Removed]). Interviews are scheduled for July 17th.