Exercise physiology in the detection of high blood pressure

About the research project

High blood pressure (BP) is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death. More than 1.1 billion adults worldwide have high BP, with many cases either inadequately controlled or not diagnosed. The identification of high BP is conventionally based on in-clinic (resting) BP measures, performed within primary health care (general practice) settings. However, many cases of high BP go unrecognised or remain inadequately controlled when this method alone is relied upon. Thus, there is a need for complementary settings and methods for BP assessment to identify and control high BP more effectively.

Our research program has indicated that a hypertensive response to exercise (HRE) is associated with increased CVD risk and may be a medium to improve identification and control of high BP. This is because HRE is suggestive of high BP that may have not been detected with in-clinic BP measures at rest. While this means measurement of exercise BP offers a unique opportunity to identify individuals at risk of high BP, several clinical evidence gaps remain. This PhD program aims to fill specific knowledge gaps surrounding exercise BP and its practical use in the clinical exercise physiology sector to identify high BP.

To address the project aims, the candidate will principally be involved with the conduct of a clinical observational study (the EPIC-BP study) to understand specific factors (such as the optimal intensity  and modality of exercise) that best identifies high BP. Data to answer other clinically relevant questions may also be drawn from the EXERcise stress Test

collaboratION (EXERTION) study, a large data-linkage study established by the supervisory team to enhance clinical understanding of HRE.

Primary Supervisor

MEET A/PROF MARTIN SCHULTZ

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Prior experience in the collection of human physiological data (e.g., blood pressure, ECG), including the provision of cardiopulmonary exercise testing

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Some prior experience and competency with statistical analysis methods and software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, r)

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact A/Prof Martin Schultz to discuss your suitability and the project’s requirements; and
3. In your application:

• Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
• Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.

1. Apply prior to 1 February 2024.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ‘How to apply‘ section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.