The importance of exercise intensity in the promotion of health in children and adolescents, Sport and Health Science PhD (Self-Funded)

Lead Supervisor: Dr Alan Barker, University of Exeter

Co-supervisors:
Dr Bert Bond, University of Exeter
Professor Craig WIlliams, University of Exeter

Location: University of Exeter, St Lukes Campus, Exeter

Project description:
Current public health guidelines recommend that 5-18 year olds undertake at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity each day to promote health and wellbeing. However, few 5-18 year old meet these recommendations and physical activity levels decline markedly during adolescence, especially in females. Contemporary evidence indicates that the intensity of physical activity may crucial, as short bouts of (< 10 minutes/day) vigorous intensity physical activity may drive the health benefits. This programme of work will therefore examine whether performing short bouts of vigorous intensity physical activity is superior at improving health and wellbeing outcomes in children and adolescents when compared to moderate intensity physical activity.

This will be achieved using a number of different approaches, such as:
• Examining the relationship between the intensity of physical activity and health outcomes using observational data after adjustment for important confounders
• Undertaking laboratory based experimental studies examining the effect of acute or chronic (e.g. exercise training) exercise of high and moderate intensity on health outcomes
• Exploring the potential for high-intensity interval exercise, as a vehicle to increase vigorous intensity activity, to improve health outcomes
• Examining the efficacy of school-based physical activity interventions designed to increase daily bouts of vigorous intensity activity

Depending on the specific research question, either a holistic array of health outcomes may be examined (e.g. physical, cardiometabolic, wellbeing, cognitive), or the focus may be on specific health factors such as traditional (e.g. body fatness, blood lipids) and novel (e.g. macro/micro vascular function, cerebrovascular reactivity) markers of cardiovascular disease. The health benefits of exercise may be examined either in the resting state or before and after an acute ‘challenge’ such as a high fat/sugar meal or psychological stress test.

The PhD will be conducted in the internationally recognised Children’s Health and Exercise Research Centre (web link?) within the discipline of Sport and Health Sciences, providing a supportive, research-active environment. An opportunity to travel and collaborate with local, national and international partners is likely.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed scholar who is keen to apply themselves to this project.

Specifically, applicants should have a good related degree (or equivalent) in health, exercise and sport sciences, an enthusiasm to work with both paediatric and adults groups, and a willingness to learn.
The applicant will also be required to obtain satisfactory Disclosure and Baring Service (DBS) clearance for working with minors.

For more information about the project and informal enquiries, please contact the primary supervisor, Dr Alan Barker: [Email Address Removed]

Entry requirements:
You should have or expect to achieve at least a 2:1 Honours degree from a UK university, or equivalent, in subjects related to health, sport and exercise science, physiology and medical sciences. Experience in undertaking a research project (e.g. dissertation work, summer internship) and working with children and adolescents is desirable.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. See more here: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/english/