PhD Studentship: Sedentary behaviour and physical activity interventions for people living with Rhe

Research interests/description of main research theme:

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is characterised by high-grade systemic inflammation, leading to joint pain, fatigue, physical dysfunction and increased cardiovascular co-morbidity. Behavioural strategies that support self-management of RA symptoms are increasingly advocated.

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is recommended as a behavioural intervention in RA, due to its anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective effects. Distinct from MVPA, sedentary behaviour (“too much sitting”) is suggested to exacerbate inflammation and may contribute independently to the progression of RA outcomes. Unfortunately, people with RA sit for prolonged periods, and demonstrate very low MVPA.

Research to date is yet to examine the independent effects of MVPA vs. sedentary behaviour on different health outcomes among people with RA. This is an important first step in determining the potential of these behaviours for improving health and quality of life in this patient group. Further, behaviour change interventions targeting sedentary behaviour vs. MVPA have not been compared in terms of patient-preference and/or potential for clinical efficacy. For example, due to pain, people with RA may perceive reducing sedentary behaviour (via increasing standing/light-intensity activity) to be more achievable than participating in MVPA.

The project:

This PhD studentship will explore interventions targeting sedentary behaviour vs. MVPA for improving health outcomes in RA. The research undertaken will include quantitative and qualitative studies (e.g., a cross-sectional study, interviews/focus groups), leading to the development and piloting of interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour or increase MVPA in this patient group. Studies will be conducted as a collaboration between the University of Birmingham, University of Nottingham, Glasgow Caledonian University and Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Skills developed will include; practical research and clinical skills required to assess a broad range RA health outcomes (e.g., phlebotomy, pain algometry), advanced capabilities in the objective measurement of physical activity/sedentary time, qualitative research skills and a knowledge/application of behaviour change theory.

Person Specification

Applicants should have a strong background in Exercise and/or Health Sciences, and preferably a background in physical activity/sedentary behavior epidemiology. They should hold or realistically expect to obtain at least an Upper Second Class Honours Degree in Sport and Exercise Science, Health/Medical Sciences or a related field.

Other essential criteria:

• Excellent communication (oral and written) and teamwork skills.
• Ability to successfully recruit participants for research studies.
• Ability to contribute towards the design of research studies and experience of writing research ethics applications.
• Ability to systematically analyse research data and interpret results.
• Knowledge of theories and approaches to support behaviour change.

Desirable criteria

• Masters degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Sport and Exercise Psychology/Physiology, Exercise Medicine, Health Sciences) and/or significant research experience.
• Experience of using objective methods to assess physical activity/sedentary time among adults/patient populations.
• Experience of collecting data for research studies examining biological outcomes in human subjects (e.g., inflammation).
• Experience of working in a clinical setting or with patient groups.
• Experience of conducting statistical analyses (e.g., using SPSS; Statistical Package for the Social Sciences).

How to apply

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr. Sally Fenton (s.a.m.fenton@bham.ac.uk) or Dr. Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten (J.J.VeldhuijzenvanZant@bham.ac.uk).

Funding Notes

3-year funded studentship through the MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research (CMAR). Students should have home or EU status: and have been 'ordinarily resident' in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of the studentship to be eligible for the full award (tuition fees, research support costs, and a tax-free stipend at the Research Council rate). Applicants who have been 'ordinarily resident' in another EU member state may be eligible for a fees only award. Please see RCUK terms and conditions for further information.

This studentship is full-time and will begin on 1st of October 2018