Project Description
There is substantial evidence that exercise is associated with lower risk of osteoporosis and is also beneficial in the prevention and management of osteoarthritis. Questions that still need addressing include the effects of specific exercise modalities (e.g. resistance versus impact exercise, higher versus lower velocity etc); interactions with nutrient availability; and mechanisms by which adaptations are mediated.
The student will devise a related set of research studies to compare the influence of exercise, with or without nutrient supplementation, on markers of bone and cartilage metabolism that can be analysed from blood or urine. A final study could examine whether metabolic changes are predictive of structural change as assessed by imaging techniques.
The research will be based in the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine alongside a number of related studies. It will benefit from the facilities, with exercise labs and research kitchens, biochemistry laboratories as well as imaging facilities including dual X-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging.
Primary supervisor: Dr Katherine Brooke-Wavell
Funding Information
UK FEE: £4,500 – Full-time degree per annum
INTERNATIONAL FEE: £24,100 – Full-time degree per annum
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
Eligibility Requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom: Students should have, or expect to achieve, at least an upper second bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject such as human biology, biological or biomedical sciences, sport and exercise science or nutrition. A relevant master’s degree will be an advantage.
English language requirements: Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Find out more about research degree funding.
Application Process
All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select ‘Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences’. Please quote the advertised reference number SSEHS/KBW in your application. To avoid delays in processing your application please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.
Supplementary Information
Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF, 2014) and an outstanding 66% of the work of Loughborough’s academic staff who were eligible to be submitted to the REF was judged as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, compared to a national average figure of 43%.
In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career. Find out more.
