PhD Studentship: Parkinson's and Implicit Motor Learning, Medical School
Health and Medical,Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology,Sport and Leisure,Sports Science
Short info about job
Company: University of Exeter
Department: University of Exeter Medical School
Hours: Full Time
Type / Role: PhD
Phone: +44-1538 2689422
Fax: +44-1375 2584777
E-mail: N\A
Site: N\A
Detail information about job PhD Studentship: Parkinson's and Implicit Motor Learning, Medical School. Terms and conditions vacancy
The University of Exeter and the University of Queensland are seeking exceptional students to join a world-leading, cross-continental research team tackling major challenges facing the world’s population in global sustainability and wellbeing as part of the recently launched QUEX Institute.
The student will have the chance to study in the UK and Australia, and will graduate with a double degree from the University of Exeter and the University of Queensland.
Find out more about the PhD Studentship via http://www.exeter.ac.uk/quex/phds
Academic Supervisors
Dr Vicki Goodwin (University of Exeter)
Dr Anna Hatton (University of Queensland)
Project Information
Movement strategies, such as cueing or attentional strategies are recommended for people with Parkinson’s (PwP). Implicit motor learning strategies, such as analogies, are an approach that has been shown to be durable under stress and dual tasks and may have additional benefits over traditional movement strategies by way of utility and reduced cognitive load. Whilst analogy strategies have been used in sport training, they have received little attention for PwP.
Balance impairments and falls are common in PwP and often become more pronounced during dual task and everyday activities such as walking outdoors when avoiding obstacles, negotiating changing terrain or busy crowds. Preventing falls and improving balance ability is the number one research priority for PwP, their carers and health and social care professionals http://www.jla.nihr.ac.uk/priority-setting-partnerships/parkinsons/top-10-priorities/
This PhD builds on existing work undertaken by the two institutions and will involve mixed methods to develop and test the use of implicit strategies for PwP. This process uses the MRC Framework for developing and evaluating complex Interventions.
- A systematic review will identify and synthesise existing research that has evaluated the effects of implicit motor learning strategies with PwP, and the experiences of those using and delivering the strategies. • A mixed methods study will develop and test the feasibility of physiotherapist delivered implicit motor learning strategies. This will include:
- Working directly with physiotherapists and PwP in developing strategies that can be further evaluated
- Delivering the strategy intervention to six PwP to establish its feasibility. This will involve collecting qualitative and quantitative data from participants and physiotherapists including questionnaires, assessments of gait and activities, and interviews. These data will help refine an intervention manual and establish proof of concept
- A pilot randomised controlled trial will determine the feasibility and acceptability of proceeding to a full-scale randomised controlled trial.
This project brings together international expertise in gait and balance, rehabilitation and skill acquisition.