Making Physical Activity More Accessible After Stroke: Co-designing Support for People with Mobility Limitations

Summary

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, and many stroke survivors experience mobility difficulties that limit opportunities to participate in physical activity. Being physically active is important for improving health and wellbeing and reducing the risk of further health problems after stroke. However, many existing community-based physical activity and exercise opportunities are not designed to meet the needs of people who cannot walk independently.

This PhD project will investigate how people living with significant mobility limitations after stroke can be better supported to participate in meaningful physical activity. Using a co-design approach, the successful candidate will work collaboratively with stroke survivors, healthcare professionals, exercise professionals, community organisations and healthcare providers to understand barriers and opportunities within current rehabilitation and community pathways.

The research will begin with a review of existing evidence before using mixed methods, including surveys, focus groups and co-design workshops, to identify barriers and facilitators to participation and develop an accessible physical activity intervention. The project will consider the needs of stroke survivors and those involved in supporting or delivering physical activity and will explore how community-based, remote or technology-enabled approaches could improve accessibility where appropriate. Early testing and refinement will help establish the intervention's feasibility, acceptability and potential for future implementation.

The candidate will develop expertise in stroke rehabilitation, co-production, implementation science, mixed-methods research and intervention development while joining an established interdisciplinary research team.

By addressing an underserved population experiencing significant health inequalities, the research directly supports Northern Ireland's Programme for Government 2024–2027 priorities to improve long-term population health and wellbeing, address health inequalities and develop more preventative, community-based and sustainable models of care (Cut Health Waiting Times, pp. 26–29; Reform and Transformation of Public Services, pp. 54–59).

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.

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.

• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience or knowledge of research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Track record of peer reviewed publications
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• Relevant professional qualification

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 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.

To be eligible for these scholarships applicants must: be a UK or Irish national; or have pre-settled or settled status; or have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme i.e. September 2027.

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.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

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.

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.