Project description:
Both animal-based protein (Frontiers in Physiology, 2018; 9, 598) and inorganic dietary mineral supplementation (Nutrients, 2019; 11(3)) have shown improvements in endurance performance. However, the impact of plant-derived protein and mineral-rich Algae (natural organic minerals) have not been investigated for this purpose, either individually or in combination. This is despite the huge increase in general and athletic population adopting animal free (or animal less) dietary patterns (Nutrients, 2018; 11(29)) and the global move towards plant-based alternatives. This PhD study will address these literature gaps and will include mechanistic work (via blood and potentially in vitro methodologies). The study will include a number of independent experimental studies focusing on the combined/individual impacts of plant-based protein combinations, with/without Lithothamnion Algae species (Aquamin Ca+ and Mg products) on acute, prolonged and exercise training via a number for nutritional supplementation trials.
Here are the likely outcome measures/markers of endurance performance that the student will learn/execute;
In response to nutritional interventions, and exercising in a thermally challenged environment
- Global adaptation
- VO2max (gasses exchange), heart rate, exercise tolerance (pain and perceived exhaustion), sweat response (volume and molecular content)
- Systemic adaptation
- Blood Flow Kinetics (FMD via ultrasound), muscle blood flow (near inferred spectroscopy) etc.
- Systemic biomarkers of inflammation, reactive oxygen species, blood lactate accumulation etc. (with some potential for in vitro work depending on the results and the successful candidate)
- Molecular adaption
For more information:
- Elite and Professional Sport Research Group
- Aligned study –Â OMNIPLaNT
University of Edinburgh Scholarship for Female African Students
Eligibility
Candidates must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Sports Science or similar relevant science discipline. See – Country-specific Information for European Applicants 2019 and Country-specific Information for International Applicants 2019.
Other requirements:
- Evidence of completing high-quality research projects at BSc (Hons) and MSc level (or equivalent)
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Experience working in nutrition and/or human exercise physiology
- Comfortable working independently and as part of a postgraduate research team
Desirable skills/experience:
- Trained in vascular ultrasound assessment
- Hospital trained (and certified) phlebotomist
- Experience with thermal physiology and environmental chamber use
- Experience in independently conducting molecular techniques (blood derived analysis)
English Language requirements: If applicable – IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 5.5 in each individual component) or Swansea recognised equivalent. Details on the Swansea University English Language entry policy can be found here.
How to Apply | Fully Funded PhDÂ SCHOLARSHIPÂ
To apply, please complete your application onlineÂwith the following information:
- Two-page CV
- Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)
- A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project. Please include a full one page proposed study methodology in the supplementary personal statement (referencing your experience and recruitment strategies for sports nutrition and/or athletic performance phenotyping).
- Two references (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.
- Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).
- Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
