PhD Study : The impact of younger stroke

Summary

Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability, with over 1.2 million people living with the physical and psychosocial consequences of stroke in the UK.  Although the average age of stroke is 71, this age has fallen in recent years and every year a third of all strokes are in people aged 20-64 (Stroke Association, 2019; Feigin et al, 2014).  Stroke at all ages can have a significant impact on individuals. But this impact may be higher in younger adults due to increased demands due to jobs, family responsibilities and financial consequences, associated with this age group (Ellis et al, 20210; Rutten-Jacobs et al, 2013). Despite this growing population of younger individuals post stroke, there is very limited evidence on any effect age may have on recovery and rehabilitation.  The way the brain recovers may be different as we age, therefore the rehabilitation needs of younger and older stroke survivors could be different.  This is important factor as the underlying biological (brain) correlates of recovery are associated with improved functional recovery and increased understanding of these mechanisms allows clinicians to target these deficits in rehabilitation. The lack of research in this area leds to the need for a holistic approach considering the biological, neurophysiological and psychosocial recovery of younger stroke survivors. This PhD aims to understand the needs of younger stroke survivors and to investigate the neurological recovery mechanisms.

PhD Plan:

The PhD project will begin with a systematic review on the biological and neurophysiological recovery in young stroke survivors, investigating any differences between younger and older stroke survivors; any age differences in response to stroke rehabilitation interventions. This review will explore potential neurological recovery using data from neuroimaging, neurophysiological and neuropsychology studies. Alongside the systematic review, in order to understand the specific needs of younger stroke survivors, an online survey will be distributed with a series of focus groups on aspects highlighted through the survey for example return to work; having a young family and being a stroke survivor.

The third part of the programme will build on the information from the review and highlighted by the stroke survivors, to build an experimental study to investigate neural recovery in young stroke survivors. In order to ensure younger stroke survivors have the best possible recovery, it is essential that we understand the recovery mechanisms of the brain and how we capitalise on these.  This will involve a case series design, in which a group of younger stroke survivors will complete a battery of outcome measures including neurophysiological, clinical and psychosocial measures to characterise their recovery profile. These will include measures of neuroplasticity/ brain excitability, brain connectivity and muscle activity measured by Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The student will have use of the Cognitive Neuroscience Lab on Coleraine campus.

Participants will be recruited from Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke (NICHS) young stroke support group and Northern Ireland Stroke Association.

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.

• 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.

• Hold a Masters degree in Psychology or related area
• Recognition of the importance of research integrity and Open Science practices

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