To celebrate the University's research successes, the University of Hull is offering one UK/EU Ph.D. Scholarship, or International Fees Bursary for candidates with a 1st, 2(i), or equivalent, applying for the following project:
The effect of continuous and intermittent exercise on the mechanical properties of bones Closing date 11th January 2013. Studentships will start in September 2013 or earlier if the successful candidate is available to start. Supervisors: Dr Max Ditroilo (Exercise Biomechanist Primary Supervisor), email:[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> , tel: +44 (0)1482 463859, Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, University of Hull Dr Grant Abt (Exercise Physiologist), email: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> , tel: +44 (0)1482 463397, Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, University of Hull Dr Catherine Dobson (Medical Engineer), email: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> , tel: +44 (0)1482 465049, Department of Engineering, University of Hull Co-investigators: Dr Tina Smith (Exercise Biomechanist), email: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> , tel: +44 (0)1482 463052, Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, University of Hull Prof. Michael Fagan (Medical Engineer), email: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> , tel: +44 (0)1482 465058, Department of Engineering, University of Hull Highly motivated students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in the Department of Sport, Health & Exercise Science (SHES) at the University of Hull are invited to apply. The successful applicant will enrol on a Ph.D. degree and will participate in a research project within the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Group, a collaboration between SHES and the Medical and Biological Engineering Research Group (MBE) of the University of Hull. The project will be carried out in SHES utilising the world-class facilities available in the Department (biomechanics, physiology and biochemistry laboratories) and the expertise of Max Ditroilo (biomechanics of muscle-tendon unit), Grant Abt (intermittent exercise) and Tina Smith (biomechanics of special populations). Catherine Dobson and Michael Fagan (MBE), will advise and support the project with their expertise in bone biomechanics, mechanobiology and musculoskeletal modelling. Physical exercise characterised by moderate to high load magnitude and loading rate positively affect osteogenesis and, in turn, bone mass and strength. However there is no clear consensus on the optimum exercise regimen to maximise its osteogenic effect. Over the last 10 years there has been an increase in the number of investigations examining the effect of intermittent bouts rather than continuous mechanical loading applied to bone. The former appears to be more effective in building bone mass and strength in animal models. The main aim of the present research project is to increase our understanding of the relationship between loading (magnitude and intensity) and rest periods, and to develop protocols of intermittent exercise that optimise bone formation in healthy but sedentary individuals. The bone remodelling will be examined in conjunction with alterations in the neuromuscular and mechanical properties of soft tissues (e.g. rate of force development, muscle-tendon stiffness, etc), thus providing a unique perspective to the project, linking the disciplines of exercise science, biomechanics and physiology. The proposed research has the potential to identify an exercise model that could significantly increase our understanding of bone remodelling in humans. This could benefit special populations who suffer from bone loss, especially the elderly and those suffering, or likely to suffer, from osteoporosis. Applicants should have at least a 2.1 honours degree (or predicted) in an appropriate Exercise Science, Engineering or other related discipline with specific experience in biomechanics. Previous research experience in bones and in the analysis of neuromuscular and/or mechanical properties of muscle tendon unit would be advantageous. In order to qualify for this scholarship you will require a 2.1 in a relevant subject. A full-time UK/EU Ph.D. Scholarship will include fees at the `home/EU' student rate and maintenance (£13,590 in 2013/14, subject to final confirmation) for three years, depending on satisfactory progress. Full-time International Fee PhD Studentships will include full fees at the International student rate for three years, dependant on satisfactory progress, but no living expenses. Successful applicants will be informed of the award by 29th March 2013. To apply follow the link below: http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/graduateschool/phdscholarships/fos-12.asp\ x
