PhD Study : Exploring sedentary behaviour and physical activity in Crohn’s disease

Summary

Crohn’s disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease, causing long-lasting symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue and fever. Lifestyle factors, such as exercise, appear to play an important role in the risk of developing CD as well as managing related symptoms.

Current gaps in research literature include a lack of device-based measurement of sitting and physical activity in CD, with dependence on self-report tools, which are liable to poor recall. Considering excessive and prolonged sitting has been implicated in numerous health outcomes, the potential value of targeting sedentary behaviour in those with CD is unknown. Although some qualitative evidence has highlighted the perceived beneficial effects and potential barriers of physical activity for those with CD, these findings may not necessarily be generalisable across other countries. Giving full context on how device-based sedentary behaviour and physical activity is associated with self-reported CD symptoms is also lacking.

The project aims to explore physical activity and sedentary behaviour in individuals with CD. The objectives are to:

1.    To review the current research literature on the typical levels of sedentary behaviour and physical activity, alongside measurement strategies, in those with CD.

2.    To explore the perceptions of key stakeholders (e.g. patients, healthcare professionals and charities / support groups), on the role of sedentary behaviour and physical activity in those with CD.

3. To understand the levels of device-measured sedentary behaviour and physical activity, and how they are linked with self-reported symptoms in a sample with CD.

This PhD project would suit a graduate from Sport and Exercise Sciences, Public Health, Psychology, Human Biology or a related area. Applicants should have good knowledge of techniques related to physical activity measurement and/or experience conducting qualitative research. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively through oral and written means is also desirable.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

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