Ageing is a complex phenomenon associated with declines in muscle strength (Frontera et al, 1997) and endurance (Pollack et al. 1997). Such changes decrease functional capacity, quality of life and increase the risk for chronic illness/disability (Nelson et al, 2007). Muscle mass predicts longevity (Srikanthan and Karlamangla, 2014) and regular exercise can exert protective effects on physiological and ageing indices (Rinder et al, 2000). Furthermore, positive exercise adaptations still occur in older individuals (Robinson et al, 2017). Resistance training is an effective and efficacious intervention for the muscle-tendon complex (Law et al. 2016, Onambele et al. 2012) in Sarcopenia.
However, optimisation of resistance protocols for ageing populations is poorly understood; effective training may reduce the risks of several metabolic diseases and functional hazards such as trips and falls. DNA damage accelerates the ageing process, possibly due to oxidative stress. Aerobic exercise can down regulate important genes associated with DNA repair following damage (Davison & McClean unpublished). Yet, there is no data regarding the potential effects of resistance exercise on DNA damage, oxidative stress and ageing in older populations.
This project will examine the impact of resistance exercise in relation to:
1.Oxidative stress, DNA damage and ageing;
2.Neuromuscular, tendon and functional changes following training in ageing.
This studentship will involve several linked studies using several experimental techniques. This PhD project would suit a graduate from Sport and Exercise Science, Biomedical Science or a related area. Applicants should have good knowledge of Exercise Physiology and experience of wet laboratory techniques is advantageous. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively through oral and written means is also desirable.
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.
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
The University offers the following levels of support:
The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:
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.
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.
Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living
Submission deadline
Monday 19 February 2018
12:00AM
Interview Date
March 2018
Preferred student start date
Mid September 2018
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