Investigating biomechanical factors linked with fear of movement in pregnant women during physical activity and the supportive role of sportswear (Ref: FP-AM-2024)

During pregnancy, exercise has been shown to have multiple benefits for mother and baby and is actively encouraged in health guidelines worldwide. However, there can be several barriers for women which prevent them or limit their exercising habits during these periods. Some of the identified barriers could be related to the significant anatomical, physiological, psychological and biomechanical changes that women experience, however little is understood as to how these changes affect a woman exercising. Fear of movement during pregnancy has been linked to a reduction in exercise habits however little is known about how the psychological constructs link to physical movements and the possible role that sports products could have in supporting exercise during this period. These insights can be useful for pregnant populations and sportswear manufacturers in providing knowledge for users and developing new and innovative products. 

The studentship will appeal to students with a sports science, sports engineering/technology or biological engineering background. It is intended that a variety of qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques will need to be used. There is also scope to use advanced analytic techniques to determine subject specific biomechanics therefore some existing experience of using software such as Matlab, R, Python or similar would be beneficial. The direction of the PhD can be flexible and can be partially moulded to suit the strengths and interests of the successful candidate. 

The project is part of the Health and Wellbeing of Women in Sport PhD Cluster that brings together multidisciplinary project teams and cross cutting PhD Projects.

The School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering has seen 100% of its research impact rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (REF, 2021).

Supervisors

Primary supervisor: Dr Aimee Mears

Secondary supervisor: Dr Emma Pullen and Professor Emily Rousham

Entry requirements

Applicants must have, or expect to have, at least a 2:1 honours degree (or international equivalent) with a UK master’s degree (with average programme mark of no less than 65%) or international equivalent. 

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

How to apply

All applications should be made online. Under the programme name, select ‘Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering/ Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering’. Please quote reference number: FP-AM-2024

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