Returning to sport, performance and physical profiling after Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstructive surgery

Summary

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are one of the most burdensome injuries in sports, particularly in adolescent and youths. Of concern, female athletes have a greater risk of ACL rupture, with research indicating 2–6 times more likely to be injured than males in similar sports. Typically, surgical reconstruction is required with athletes taking on average 9-18months to return to sport after surgery. However, only 65% of all athletes in pivoting sports return to their preinjury level of sport after surgery with 16% return to a lower level of sport, and 19% completely cease participating in sports. Research indicates of those that do return to sport, up to 1 in 4 athletes will re-rupture their graft, or contralateral ACL within 5 years. Adolescents and youths have a 30 to 40 times greater risk of future ACL injury compared to uninjured peers.

There is a need to develop a greater understanding why those who have an ACL injury are at greater risk of subsequent injury. Change of direction, such as cutting and stepping tasks have been highlighted in the mechanism of ACL injury. Whilst change of direction tasks form part of the rehabilitation pathway after ACL reconstruction (i.e. modifying cutting angle, speed, planned vs unplanned), there has been a focus on quantifying physical characteristics like strength, vertical jump, ground contact times, hop distances and linear running metrics to determine physical readiness to return to sport.

Research to date on cutting tasks have predominantly been within controlled laboratory environments, lacking ecological validity and are currently not practically viable for clinicians to contextual conditions and constraints. By utilising accessible and practical technology, particularly around field-based change of direction tasks, clinicians may be able to profile and developed strategies to optimise a person’s engagement in sport, maintenance of performance and reduce risk of reinjury.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

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.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.