Data-Driven Longitudinal Assessment of Recovery Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Summary

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) is followed by a prolonged and highly individual period of rehabilitation. Recovery can involve changes in knee symptoms, muscle strength, neuromuscular performance, confidence, physical function and participation in physical activity, yet these domains do not necessarily recover at the same rate.

Clinicians therefore face the challenge of interpreting multiple measurements and deciding whether recovery is progressing appropriately.

This PhD will investigate how repeated clinical, functional and patient-reported information can be combined to provide a clearer picture of individual recovery following ACL-R.

The project will first examine current rehabilitation assessment and decision-making practice in Northern Ireland. It will then establish a prospective cohort of people undergoing ACL reconstruction, supported by an established clinical recruitment pathway through Belfast Knee Clinic and Ulster Independent Hospital.

Longitudinal statistical modelling will be used to characterise individual recovery trajectories, identify which measurements provide complementary information, and determine whether meaningful change can be distinguished from normal measurement variability. The project will also investigate whether a smaller, more efficient set of measures can represent the main domains of recovery.

The final stage will translate these findings into an interpretable clinician-facing decision-support framework. The aim is not to replace clinical judgement, but to organise repeated rehabilitation information in a way that helps clinicians understand current status, change over time, remaining deficits and uncertainty. The approach may have wider application across musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

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.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement demonstrating interest in the subject area
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

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.

• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a First Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject area
• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Track record of peer reviewed publications

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

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD scholarships are available for this project to all applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile, and will cover:

• Tuition fees.
• A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

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, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

1. Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships
2. Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.