PhD Study : The biomechanical mechanisms of concussion in sport

Summary

There is growing concern of long-term neurological consequences from repeatedly sustaining concussions in sport. Current on-field detection methods rely heavily on side-line medical practitioners to visually identify a concussion on the field. The approach is highly susceptible to human error and puts significant pressure on sideline medical practitioners. Instrumented mouthguards (iMG) and finite element brain models (FEBM) provide a unique opportunity to aid the concussion detection process to ensure players are safely removed from play.

This project will involved a large number of professional rugby atheltes wearing iMG for 3 seasons. iMG are mouthguards instrumented with accelerometers and gyroscopes to measure linear and rotational head accelerations during concussive and non-injurious impact events on the field. FEBM are state-of-the-art computational tools for examining the mechanical response of the brain at a tissue level to head trauma and can thus, identify the locations and quantify the magnitudes of deformation.

Subject-specific FEBM coupled with cloud computing and machine learning techniques could enable FEBM reconstructions to be simulated in real-time. Recording and simulating a large number of concussive and non-injurious events will enable us to identify the most important biomechanical injury metrics for concussion prediction. The information gained from the project would be key to developing player welfare strategies, prevention technologies and could ultimately aid in sideline decision making process for player removal.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living