PhD Study : An evaluation of physical activity induced reductions in epicardial fat thickness and atrial fibrillation incidence

Summary

Disturbances to the normal heartbeat are called arrhythmias, with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia seen in cardiovascular departments, occurring in 1–2% of the general population (Camm et al., 2010). AF is associated with increased risk of death from stroke with one in five of all strokes associated with this arrhythmia (Bairapareddy, et al., 2018).

Obesity is increasingly recognized as a major modifiable determinant of AF.  A growing body of data from epidemiological and clinical studies has demonstrated that excess epicardial fat (EAT) is consistently associated with the presence, severity, and recurrence of AF (Wong, et al., 2017).

Exercise in the form of physical activity is well known as the cornerstone treatment for obesity-related conditions, however there is a scarcity of studies published evaluating whether exercise training changes EAT thickness.

The aim of this PhD is:

1 - To establish the current state of knowledge on EAT and AF.

2 - To devise a suitable physical activity programme tailored for EAT reduction.

3- To establish the feasibility and preliminary effects of the activity programme.

4 - To disseminate new knowledge, inform clinical practice development and promote further research to prevent AF in our local context.

This project is best positioned within the Centre for Health and Rehabilitation Technologies of the Institute of Nursing and Health Research as it combines an ECR and established expertise across cardiac physiology and health research.

Our overarching methodology is health technology assessment as this is a systematic approach to the evaluation of health technologies and interventions. Within this approach four elements are planned:

1- A systematic review and meta-analysis

2- Development of a research project evaluating physical activities and EAT informed by literature, theory and stakeholder engagement,

3- Design of a pilot study

4- The knowledge outputs from the literature review will be guided by theory to inform a knowledge transfer plan to engage with relevant stakeholders (Consultant electrophysiologists, Primary Care health providers and people with AF).  This will involve reporting to these stakeholders as well as academic papers for publication and conference attendance.

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.

• 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:

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