PhD Study : Devloping enjoyable and engaging group-based exercise programmes for older adults: a feasibility study

Summary

The health benefits of exercise for older adults are well established. However, most older adults do not take enough exercise to benefit their health. Group exercise programmes are offered to inactive individuals by their primary health care team.Evidence suggests that most older adults do not fully participate in, or maintain, their levels of exercise after such programmes.

Recent research from our team has shown that older adults would prefer to take part in exercise groups that are more enjoyable and offer opportunities for social engagement. Therefore, an exercise programme that emphasises social interactions and enjoyment may impact on levels of  physical activity engagement and improve social well-being in older adults.

Aim

This int project is part of a wider programme of work within the School of Health Sciences to develop novel physical activity programmes for older adults, in collaboration with Active Belfast and the Belfast Health Development Unit.

Methods

The studentship will involve three main phases:

1. Identifying intervention components Using a method developed in a previous interdisciplinary physical activity programme for older adults (https://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/programmes/phr/1213304), the student will conduct a systematic review of previous group-based older adult programmes to identify intervention components. These will then be used to inform the development of ‘experience days’ with older adults. During these days, 10-12 older adults will be asked to join a group exercise session and try a variety of the approaches used previously. Focus group methodology will be used to modify these approaches and to input on the design of an exercise programme that maximises the opportunity for group interaction.

2. Measures of social interaction Following this, the student will seek to develop a new method to assess group interactions in exercise classes. Previously in-person observations were used to record group interactions. However, having an observer in the room may influence the group dynamics and the observer may miss interactions. Therefore, the student will run exercise classes and use a 360⁰ camera, placed in the middle of the room. The video footage can then be reviewed using virtual reality technology and social interactions assessed using social network analysis. In addition, measures of fidelity and experience will be developed.

3. Develop and test the feasibility of a novel interactive exercise programme The final phase will utilise the information from phase 1 to develop a novel group-based intervention that emphasises group interactions for older adults. This will be informed by the results of the systematic review, focus groups and relevant social theories, with an emphasis on enjoyment and social interaction. In keeping with the MRC guidance for complex interventions, three 12-week group-based exercise classes will be run for older adults, facilitated with the support of the Belfast Health Development Unit.

Participants will be asked for their feedback on the programme. Measures of physical activity, function, health, and mental well-being, social cohesion, and enjoyment will be taken before and after the programme. The measure of social interaction using 360⁰ cameras will be piloted.

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
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology
• 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
• Masters at 65%
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

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