PhD Study : Load-Velocity Profiling in Swimming

Summary

Measuring forces within an aquatic environment is challenging. In the past, fully-tethered swimming has been utilised as a tool to obtain the propelling force that a swimmer must produce to overcome resistive drag at the maximum free swimming speed (Keskinen, 1997; Morouco et al., 2011). However limitations associated with this methodological approach include the inability to establish a force-velocity profile, water flow is not representative of free swimming and it has been suggested to induce kinematic changes (Maglischo et al., 1984; Samson et al., 2019).

Semi-tethered swimming is an alternative approach in which the velocity of the swimmer is measured with respect to known external loads; thus facilitating the establishment of load-velocity profiles (Gonjo et al., 2020; Olstad et al 2020). Recently, the 1080 Sprint (1080 Motion AB, Lidingo, Sweden), device has been found to report load-velocity profiles for front crawl swimming with high reliability from both five and three external loads (Olstad et al., 2020). Gonjo et al. (2020) and Olstad et al. (2020) reported a high linear relationship between external loads and swimming velocity (R2 ≥ 0.98), evidencing the potential to estimate V0 and L0 (in addition to other variables) and thus ability to assess the strength and velocity capabilities of the swimmer.

To date, only two studies have examined the relationship between load-velocity profiles in male freestyle (Gonjo et al., 2021) and male butterfly (Gonjo et al., 2020) sprint swimming performance. Currently it is unknown whether these profiles could be adapted through an individualised training intervention protocol in order to optimise swim performance.

Therefore the aims of this PhD programme are to:

1.Assess the reliability of load-velocity profiles across all strokes, genders and skill level.

2.Design and implement an intervention study to manipulate the individual load-velocity profiles and correlate to performance.

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

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

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 £19,237 (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