PhD Study : Neuro-muscle-tendon Responses and Adaptations to Resistance Training in Females

Apply and key information  

Summary

Muscle and tendon function together as a single unit to bring about movement in humans. Consistent evidence indicates that human tendon alters its morphology and mechanical properties in a magnitude-of-force–dependent manner applied during exercise (Kongsgaard et al. 2007; Arampatzis et al. 2010; McMahon et al. 2013), with this force propagated via muscular contraction. However, recently McMahon et al. (2018) demonstrated that female tendon mechanical properties do not adapt as well as male mechanical properties when undergoing high intensity muscular contractions, which could explain a reduced rate-of-force development in females compared to males (Bell et al. 1989).

This has been underpinned by multiple acute studies investigating the response of female tendon to exercise (Miller et al. 2005; Miller et al. 2007; Sullivan et al. 2010). This phenomenon may be due to the fact female tendons undergo less absolute forces during resistance training (McMahon et al. 2018). Therefore performing a resistance training program aimed at maximising the time under higher absolute forces may be critical in improving tendon adaptation, function and task performance.

This project will examine the impact of acute and chronic resistance exercise on neuro-muscle-tendon properties of females following various types of resistance training in relation to:

1.Neuro-muscle-tendon morphology

2.Neuro-muscle-tendon function & performance

This studentship will involve several linked studies using several experimental techniques.

This PhD project would suit a graduate from Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Medicine, Strength & Conditioning or a related area. Applicants should have good knowledge of Exercise Physiology and experience of imaging techniques is advantageous. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively through oral and written means is also desirable.

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
  • 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
  • Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
  • Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Work experience relevant to the proposed project
  • Publications - peer-reviewed
  • Publications record appropriate to career stage
  • Experience of presentation of research findings
  • Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.

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

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 18 February 2019
12:00AM

Interview Date
mid-March 2019

Preferred student start date
September 2019

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Conor McClean

Other supervisors