Muscle-strengthening physical activity: determinants, mechanisms, and intervention effects on health using behaviour change theory

Summary

The World Health Organisation physical activity guidelines include recommendations for aerobic and muscle strengthening physical activity (MSPA). While there has been much focus within public health research on guideline adherence, and the health benefits of being physically activity, the recommendations on MSPA have been coined ‘the forgotten’ component of the physical activity guidelines.

Research has highlighted that MSPA can have protective effects on health, yet less is known about the correlates that relate to engagement in MSPA. Behaviour change theory (BCT) provides a basis for the advancement of public health behavioural science, providing a lens to identify key variables that influence behaviour, which can then be targeted, modified, and analysed in interventions. Decades of behaviour change research have advanced our understanding of aerobic physical activity, and how to promote this behaviour, however, there has been limited BCT focus on MSPA to date.

Understanding the factors that underpin MSPA behaviours is of key significance to practitioners, policy makers, and health providers. This project aims to identify the correlates and mechanisms that influence engagement in MPSA. The project will apply behaviour change theory to examine motivations influence how an individual engages and sustains a behaviour, in this instance, MSPA.

The project will involve three distinct yet complementary studies:

1. Conduct a scoping review of the literature on MSPA correlates through the lens of behaviour change models.

2. Develop a novel BCT-informed, longitudinal, international survey on correlates, mediating mechanisms, and outcomes of MSPA in the general population.

3. Implement a coproduction model to research barriers and facilitators of MSPA in a selected population (e.g., adolescents, people with health conditions) and explore preferences for development of a novel MSPA intervention.

4. Pilot a co-produced, BCT informed, intervention to assess potential mechanisms of MSPA behaviour change and health outcomes related to MSPA.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.