Move to the Beat – Rock Drumming as a movement and cognitive intervention for Older Adults with Cognitive Impairments.

Summary

In the UK, an estimated 1 million people are thought to be living with dementia, but this figure is projected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040. Those people living with dementia (PLWD) or with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are more likely to be older, with the likelihood of cognitive decline doubling every 5 years after 65 years. Cognitive decline can often lead to increasingly isolated living for the person and those caring for them resulting in depression, physical inactivity, reduced wellbeing and quality of life.
The World Health Organization (2019) recently acknowledged that wellbeing and social relationships of carers and PlwD could be improved by participation in arts activities. Arts-based interventions (ABI), including music are now being offered to PlwD and MCI. Music can include active (music-making) and passive (music-appreciation) involvement or be incorporated into reminiscence therapy (used to elicit memories and prompt conversation). ABIs can improve communication, confidence, self-esteem, wellbeing, enhance cognitive functioning, maintain existing skills and promote new ones. Drumming (including drum circles) has been implemented as a suitable music making instrument in relation to psychosocial health and wellbeing of the elderly. Rock drumming, is a complex motor-coordination task involving all four limbs to activate gross and fine motor skills to generate rhythm. This dual-task activity will involve will provide a physical and cognitive activity potentially combining the benefits of movement activities and creative expression.

PhD Objectives:
* To produce a critical review of the existing literature that examines the efficacy of music participation and learning for PlwD and MCI and their carers
* Co-design a drumming movement intervention for PlwD and MCI. Consulting with people with lived experience and other stakeholders to construct a dual-task programme.
* Conduct a pilot study that assesses the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of a drumming movement intervention for PlwD and MCI

Please note: Applicants with a 2:1 degree in Psychology (or close to completion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

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
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship
• Evidence of academic writing skills (a short sample of academic written work of the applicant's choosing (Max 3 pages, A4, font 11)) – please upload in the section entitled Research Proposal

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
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• A demonstrable interest in or experience of using open science methods

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.