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This project is funded by:
There are increasing numbers of manual wheelchair users (MWU) who have been using their chair for more than 10 years. MWU often experience increased musculoskeletal ageing because of self-propelling, lifting, and transferring in and out of their chair repeatedly throughout the day. This is in addition to the typical ageing journey for us all. Independence is a priority to enable people to live their lives to the fullest, and in their own community. This is particularly important for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) who can now look forward to having the same life expectancy as other people.
Innovations in mobility related assistive technology (MRAT) provide a choice for people as they age. However, we do not know how people access information on what MRAT is available or know when the appropriate time is to transition to using it.
This project aims to work collaboratively with people with SCI to identify when and what MRAT have been useful across the life course. It will also examine what are the common individual traits and motivators, the external barriers and enablers, and when transition to using alternate options for MRAT occurs across the life course.
Methods used in this study will include a thorough review of the literature on ageing as a long-term MWU; a UK and Ireland wide online survey of MWU with SCI; and interviews with persons with SCI about their experience of alternative and or complementary options to manual wheelchair use.
It is intended that the impact of this project will increase the understanding of who is most likely to transition to using MRAT and when. This should enable more appropriate signposting to using MRAT, and be of interest to those purchasing MRAT for healthcare intervention programmes.
Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.
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.
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
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.
This project is funded by:
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.
Submission deadline
Monday 3 February 2025
04:00PM
Interview Date
Week beginning 31st March 2025
Preferred student start date
15th September 2025
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