MRes - The effect of weather on engagement in a physical activity programmes for older adults

Summary

It is well known that regular physical activity is associated with a wide range of health benefits. Despite this, levels of physical activity decline as we age. Researchers at Ulster University have tested a number of novel physical activity programmes for older adults, such as the SITLESS study and the Walk with Me Study. One of the common features of these programmes is the use of devices to help participants monitor activity levels. Some studies have attempted to analyse factors that influence engagement in these types of programmes. One common finding from discussions with older adults is that weather influences their motivation to attend exercise classes of engage in walking outdoors. Whilst there have been a number of studies that have shown daily weather, such as rainfall, temperature and sunlight, influence activity levels, very few have sought to examine the relationship between weather and engagement in physical activity programmes.

The aim of this project is to examine the relationship between daily weather and engagement in programme components, such as steps per day or attendance at exercise sessions. This knowledge will contribute to developing programmes to overcome environmental barriers to physical activity that older adults may face.

Specific skills requirements of the applicant:  previous knowledge of introductory statistics would be helpful.

Important Information: Applications for more than one MRes studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one MRes project within Medicine, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a MRes studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this 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
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

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
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.
• Applicants will be shortlisted if they have an average of 75% or greater in a first (honours) degree (or a GPA of 8.75/10). For applicants with a first degree average in the range of 70% to 74% (GPA 3.3): If they are undertaking an Masters, then the average of their first degree marks and their Masters marks will be used for shortlisting.
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

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 opportunity is open to UK/ROI applicants only.

MRes studentships will be available to top ranked candidates to cover tuition fees and a Research Training Support Grant of £900. All applicants will be considered automatically for an MRes studentship. Applicants who do not receive a studentship but meet admission requirements may be offered admission on a self-funded basis.

Applicants who already hold an MRes or a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of an MRes or doctoral degree are NOT eligible to apply for an award. Applicants who hold or who are registered on a taught Master’s degree are eligible to apply.