PhD Studentship: Para Athlete Physiological Responses to Heat Stress

Your Project

Competing in summer events is a significant challenge, especially for Para athletes. For example, a spinal cord injury can significantly reduce effective thermoregulation, and the lower efficiency of movement and higher energy cost experienced by people with cerebral palsy cause an early onset of fatigue, particularly in the heat. Our research-based strategies are helping Para athletes adapt to the increasingly difficult conditions. Drawing on expertise from the Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre and members from the Peter Harrison Laboratory, this PhD project will investigate thermal responses in Para athletes with different impairments/classifications, focusing on sweat and thermal sensitivity mapping. Using physiological monitoring and subjective feedback, the project will assess variations in sweat distribution across impairment groups which may inform future clothing design for improved thermoregulation. Additionally, it will explore cooling interventions, using computational modelling to tailor recommendations based on impairment, classification and climatic conditions. Other cooling strategies aimed at enhancing performance will be assessed, contributing to inclusive sports policies and improving athlete safety and competitiveness.

Your Group

This project is part of the prestigious Loughborough University Vice Chancellor’s PhD Cluster – ParaFit 2032. ParaFit 2032 will advance Para athlete health and performance by exploring the complex interactions between performance, well-being, gender, and equipment ergonomics. While extensive research exists for non-disabled athletes, significant knowledge gaps remain in understanding impairment-specific factors affecting training, injury prevention, and recovery. This research will deliver a lasting impact on Brisbane 2032 and help shape the future of Para-sport science and practice.

Doctoral Researchers within ParaFit 2032 will join a cohort of six PhD students working on transdisciplinary topics and benefit from expertise across biomechanics, physiology, psychophysiology, engineering, data science, and cutting-edge sensor technologies. The cluster builds on the success of the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport (PHC) and brings together leading Para-sport scientists and cross-school academics to drive innovation.

Researchers will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, a collaborative research environment, and direct engagement with elite Para-athletes, coaches, and industry partners, including UK Sport Institute (UKSI). Through our Doctoral College, postgraduate courses, group activities, and continuing professional development programmes, there are continual opportunities for building important research skills and networks among your peers and research academics.

Supervisors: Primary supervisor: Dr Matt Maley

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities) in a related subject such as Sport and Exercise Science, Human Biology, Human or Environmental Physiology or Biological Sciences. A relevant master’s degree is desirable but not essential.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding information:

The studentship is fully funded by the University (includes both UK and International) for 3 years, commencing October 2025 and provides a tax-free stipend of £20,780 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 *School of Design and Creative Arts*. Please quote the advertised reference number: ** 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.

Closing Date: 01 May 2025

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