Funded studentships
Our transdisciplinary PhD projects cover aspects of women's reproductive health and wellbeing in relation to sport and exercise.
Successful candidates will explore a range of topics relating to the role of sport and exercise on the health and wellbeing of women at different stages of life.
These topics include the effects of the menstrual cycle, barriers to exercise during pregnancy, and the role of exercise for women living through perimenopause and menopause.
Our studentship topics
Physiological and perceived effects of the menstrual cycle on sport and exercise performance
Supervisors: Dr Emma O’Donnell, Dr Richard Ferguson, Dr Rebecca Grant and Dr Laura Barrett
The effects of the fluctuations of ovarian hormones during the menstrual cycle on exercise performance are under-investigated and relatively unknown.
Your work will address this issue and contribute to a better understanding of the independent and combined physiological and perceptual effects of the menstrual cycle on exercise performance in female athletes.
The menstrual cycle, exercise and breast support: a measurement systems approach
Supervisors: Dr Rebecca Grant, Professor Andy Harland and Dr Emma O’Donnell
Women’s engagement in sport and exercise is heavily influenced by the stage of their menstrual cycle and access to appropriate support wear.
You will explore ways to quantify breast volumetry throughout the menstrual cycle. Alongside your big data handling and high-performance imaging work, you will apply human factors approaches to translate your findings into product design concepts.
Exploring the experiences of fear of movement in pregnant populations as a barrier to physical activity and exercise uptake
Supervisors: Dr Emma Pullen, Dr Aimee Mears, Professor Emily Rousham and Dr Inês Varela-Silva
Regular participation in exercise during pregnancy is associated with significant benefits for the mother and baby, but many women do not meet the recommended guidelines for activity.
You will explore the construct of fear of movement through a biopsychosocial approach and the role fear of movement plays in women’s experiences of, and engagement with, exercise during pregnancy.
Investigating biomechanical factors linked with fear of movement in pregnant women during physical activity and the supportive role of sportswear
Supervisors: Dr Aimee Mears, Dr Emma Pullen and Professor Emily Rousham
Exercising during pregnancy has multiple benefits for mother and baby and is actively encouraged in health guidelines worldwide.
However, fear of movement has been linked to a reduction in exercise among pregnant women. Little is known about how the psychological constructs link to physical movements and the possible role that sports products could have in encouraging exercise.
Your research will provide useful insights to both women and sportswear manufacturers - providing knowledge for users and the development of innovative products.
Sport and physical activity as tools to promote a healthy menopause transition
Supervisors: Dr Gemma Witcomb, Dr Carolyn Plateau and Professor Amanda Daley
The menopause transition can present both physical and psychological barriers to women's engagement in regular physical activity.
You will explore ways to encourage greater participation alongside the benefits of various activities on their health and wellbeing.