Project details
Electrical stimulation, specifically functional electrical stimulation (FES) has been used in clinical practice for over 25 years to support rehabilitation for people with upper motor neuron conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), stroke and spinal cord injury (SCI). FES is effective through small electrical impulses to activate weak or paralysed muscles through exciting the nerves that connect to the muscles. It is most frequently administered through self-adhesive patches or electrodes which are placed on the surface of the skin directly above the muscle. The electrical stimulation can be used during functional activities such as walking, reaching or cycling to help enhance the muscle contraction or motor control.
Surface spinal stimulation works in the same way as FES, electrical impulses administered through sticky pads to electrodes. However, the target area of stimulation is the spine/spinal cord at the level of the nerve root of the weakened muscle.
Clinician’s and researchers are continuing to understand the underlying mechanisms of how electrical stimulation works and its impact on neuroplasticity. Neurophysiological techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have been used to establish neurophysiological changes because of using FES technologies, these techniques are not often used alongside behavioural measures and patient reported outcomes.
The aim of this interesting and novel project is to explore electrical stimulation in more depth to better understand how stimulation can contribute to improved function for people with MS. The successful applicant will work with the research team to develop the project and research methodology providing an exciting opportunity to develop and shape the research in this area.
View the full project description (pdf 190KB)
The closing date for application is 25 October 2024
Supervisors
Dr Kathryn Collins graduated as a physiotherapist in 2003 from The Sage Colleges in Troy, New York, USA. She worked as a physiotherapist for nine years in Chicago, USA, specialising in neurology. During this time she enjoyed being a clinical supervisor to physiotherapy students and became interested in research. She worked on a research trial with stroke survivors; this experience further sparked my interest in pursuing research, which led her to England in 2012 to undertake a PhD.
In 2016 Kathryn graduated with a PhD in Health Sciences from the University of East Anglia. After finishing her PhD she worked as a researcher and grant writer. Kathryn joined Bournemouth University in 2017 as a Physiotherapy Lecturer.
Funding
A fully-funded Studentship includes a maintenance grant of £18,622 per year to contribute towards living expenses during the course of your research, as well as a fee waiver for 36 months.
Associated costs, such as for fieldwork and conference attendance, will also be met under the Studentship.
Academic support
The Research Development Programme, developed by the Doctoral College in line with the Researcher Development Framework (Vitae).An added benefit is the opportunity to meet researchers from other academic schools at BU through the activities of the Doctoral College and benefit from their experiences, skills, and perspectives.
Full entry requirements
The BU PhD and MRes Studentships are open to UK, EU and International students.
Candidates for a PhD Studentship should demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 4 years and must demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic potential as measured normally by either a 1st class honours degree (or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA) or a Master’s degree with distinction or equivalent
- An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (with a minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language and this must be evidenced at point of application.
In addition to satisfying minimum entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful completion.
Applicants will be asked to submit an online application form and a proposal (approximately 1500 words) outlining their understanding of the project for which they are applying, the approach they would envisage taking and what qualities they will bring to the research community.
Please note:
- current BU Doctoral students are not eligible to apply for a Studentship
- current MRes/MPhil students can apply, subject to satisfactory completion of their Research Degree prior to being able to take up the award
- PhD Studentships cannot be used to support BU staff to complete doctoral programmes.
International entry requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally:
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 (with a minimum 6.0 in each component) or equivalent.
View further information about our English language requirements.
A number of pre-sessional English and preparatory programmes are offered through our partner institution, Bournemouth University International College, and will get you ready for study at BU at the appropriate level.
You can also find further details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our postgraduate entry requirements page.
How to apply
Click the green ‘Apply now’ button at the top of the page and complete the online application form. You can find further guidance about applying for a postgraduate research degree in our Postgraduate Research section.
The closing date for applications 25th October 2024.
Careers
A research degree can open new career opportunities in commercial research and development, consultancy, or could lead you to starting your own business. You may alternatively consider a career in academia. You may wish to undertake research to contribute to your knowledge of a specialist subject, or develop your employability by enhancing your skills in project management and analysis.
