Virtual Reality based intervention for the Management of Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain in people affected by a Stroke

An opportunity to apply for a funded full-time PhD in the Faculty of Health and Applied Science, UWE Bristol.

The expected start date of this studentship is 1 January 2023.

The closing date for applications is 19 August 2022.

Ref: 2223-JAN-HAS03

Please note: out of the eight projects being advertised for the Dean’s Studentship, the faculty will fund four. The projects for funding will be selected based on the merit of applicants following the process outlined below.

There will be a two stage interview process. Supervisory teams of each project will shortlist the best candidates for an initial interview with the supervisory team. Following this first interview, two candidates will be selected; a first-choice candidate and a reserve candidate. The first-choice candidate (or the reserve, if the first-choice candidate is unavailable) will then be interviewed by a Faculty Panel (the second interview). The Faculty Panel will be chaired by Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean and will consist of senior Faculty staff. The Faculty level interview will take place on the 31 October 2022.

Unsuccessful candidates will have the opportunity for self-funded places.

Applications are invited from ambitious, self-motivated and enthusiastic candidates, with a background in a health-related discipline to work on a fully-funded PhD studentship. Funding and stipend are provided by UWE Bristol to develop a Virtual Reality (VR) based intervention for the Management of Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain (HSP) in people with Stroke.

HSP has a reported incidence of up to 40% that results in reduced functional use of the arm, interference with rehabilitation, higher rates of depression and poorer quality of life.

The aim of this project is to develop an intervention using virtual reality (VR) that provides visual feedback (presented through a head-mounted device) and through sensors applied on the arm during repetitive upper-limb tasks/exercises to reduce shoulder pain and improve function in people with stroke. The results of the proposed PhD research will inform the design of a post-doctoral definitive randomised controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of the VR interventions to treat HSP in stroke population.

The programme of research will provide the successful candidate with an excellent opportunity to develop a wide range of research skills and experiences in preparation for a post-doctoral clinical research journey. The PhD researcher will be primarily based at Glenside campus, UWE Bristol within the Centre for Health and Clinical Research, and will be expected to directly engage with relevant healthcare professionals and people with stroke via University Hospitals Bristol and Weston, North Bristol NHS Trusts and Charity organisations.

For an informal discussion about the studentship, please email Dr Praveen Kumar at praveen.kumar@uwe.ac.uk.

The studentship is available from the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences from 1 January 2023 for a period of four years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax exempt stipend, which is currently £16,602 per annum.

In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years. The studentship will also fully cover the research costs (consumables budget).

Applicants must have minimum of 2:1 in a health-related discipline, and ideally will have a Masters.

A recognised English language qualification is required.

Please submit your application online. When prompted use the reference number 2223-JAN-HAS03.

Supporting documentation: you will need to upload your research proposal, all your degree certificates and transcripts and your proof of English language proficiency as attachments to your application so please have these available when you complete the application form.

References: you will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application. At least one referee must be an academic referee from the institution that conferred your highest degree. Your referee will be asked for a reference at the time you submit your application, so please ensure that your nominated referees are willing and able to provide references within 14 days of your application being submitted.

The closing date for applications is 19 August 2022.

Please note that the following selection process applies.

Interviews by the prospective supervisory team will take place in the week commencing 12 September 2022. If you have not heard from us by that date, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.

Following the initial interview, two candidates will be selected; a first-choice candidate and a reserve candidate. The first-choice candidate (or the reserve, if the first-choice candidate is unavailable) will then undertake a second interview by a senior faculty panel on the 31 October 2022. The PhD will be awarded following a successful second interview.