PhD Studentship: Investigating the Physiological and Biomechanical Demands of Wheelchair Rugby Game Play: Implications for Load Monitoring

Wheelchair rugby (WR) is a mixed gender Paralympic sport, characterised by intermittent sprint activity and a large aerobic contribution. As a mixed impairment sport, players exhibit varied physiological profiles across classifications, which directly influence performance outcomes. During international competitions players face back-to-back games over five days (World and Paralympic Games). As a result, coaches and performance staff seek training methods to best prepare their athletes for the physiological demands.

Therefore, the aim of this project is to quantify the physiological demands of wheelchair rugby performance to optimise training and recovery strategies for Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) as they prepare for LA 2028 and beyond. The embedded nature of this project allows for direct access to elite WR players, enabling longitudinal data collection and collaboration with world-class practitioners.

To address the aim of this project, the student will explore longitudinal analysis of internal and external load in response to training and competition using heart rate, session ratings of perceived exertion, and inertial measurement units (IMUs) for measurement of wheelchair mobility. Using a ready-made surveillance tool, this project will explore associations of training load on injury and illness risk injury and illness rates with particular focus on periods of intensified training and competition.

This PhD will be in partnership with GBWR, with the successful applicant embedded in the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, supported by Dr Thomas O'Brien, Dr Richard Blagrove and Professor Vicky Tolfrey.

Loughborough University is ranked number one in the world for sport-related subjects (QS World University Rankings). The School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences offers an exciting, interdisciplinary research environment, where research students work alongside expert staff with a diverse range of interests and experience.

By studying for a PhD with us, you will be joining a thriving research community of over 200 Doctoral Researchers from across the globe. You will add to world-leading research that is helping to shape the latest advancements across the sport, exercise and health sectors.

In REF 2021, 100% of research impact from the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences was rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’

Entry requirements:

Students should have, or expect to achieve at least an undergraduate honours degree with a minimum classification of a 2.1, or equivalent, in a relevant subject for the PhD topic (sport & exercise science, exercise physiology, statistics or similar). Applicants should have outstanding communication, time management and organisation skills, with para-specific knowledge desirable.

Funding information:

The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees.

How to apply:

All applications should be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. Please quote the advertised reference number: SSEHS/TOB25 in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application:

In addition to a CV and cover letter, a 2,000 word (maximum) research proposal should be included, detailing:

• Clear statement of the problem
• Existing literature on the problem
• Appropriate research methods
• Scope and nature of the project
• Possible conclusions

Advert information