Promoting workplace physical activity: Exercise snacking for cardiometabolic health

The mental and physical health benefits of a more physically active lifestyle are well documented, yet the behaviour of populations in the United Kingdom is becoming more sedentary. Not enough time is often the most commonly cited barrier to becoming more physically active, due in part to many hours spent sedentary in the workforce. Indeed, the UK worker spends longer at work and accrues fewer days of annual leave per annum. Workplace settings therefore represent great potential for the implementation of “exercise snacks”, an isolated short-duration bout of vigorous exercise and performed periodically throughout the day. Such short bursts of activity have shown promise in improving measures of cardiorespiratory fitness and indices of cardiometabolic health. Furthermore, adoption of intermittent exercise behaviours may improve workers’ health and wellbeing and productivity, with reductions in sickness leave.

Incorporating systematic reviews and patient/public involvement, this project aims to develop feasible and ecologically valid protocols for future interventions. By utilizing digital technologies, such as wearable devices and mobile applications, the studies of this PhD studentship may refine how populations engage with home and workplace exercise therapies. In addition to parallel group research designs, longitudinal data will be captured to measure the effect of biometric screening on physical activity and related health outcomes. This comprehensive approach seeks to establish scalable and personalized exercise interventions that can significantly improve public health in sedentary settings, potentially leading to widespread changes in health policy and corporate wellness programs.

Contact: Dr David King, D.King@hw.ac.uk

Eligibility

This scholarship is open to all students, whether home, EU or overseas.

Essential requirements:

–         First or upper second-class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Sport & Exercise Sciences, Physical Activity and Health Sciences, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences or related disciplines

–         Excellent personal, oral, and written communication skills.

Desirable qualities:

–         MSc in a relevant discipline

–         Experience in conducting research in a relevant area.

How to Apply:

To apply you must complete our online application form.

Please select PhD Life Science as the programme and include your full project title and reference number (EGIS2024-DK) on your application form. Ensure that all fields marked as ‘required’ are complete.

Once have entered your personal details, click submit. You will be asked to upload your supporting documents. You must complete the section marked project proposal; please provide a written proposal (3-5 A4 pages), including a supporting statement outlining your suitability and how you would approach the project.

You must also upload your CV, a copy of your degree certificate and relevant transcripts and an academic reference in the relevant section of the application form.

You must also provide proof of your ability in the English language (if English is not your mother tongue). We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0, or a TOEFL certificate with an overall score of at least 85, including reading 20, listening 19, speaking 20 and writing 21. Alternatively, if you have received an English-taught Bachelors or Masters degree from one of the countries listed on the UK Government Guidance under ‘Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English’, and it was obtained less than two years from your intended start date, you should provide evidence of your award that clearly states it was delivered and assessed in English language.

Please contact egis-pgr-apps@hw.ac.uk for technical support with your application.

Timeline:

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The closing date is 28th June 2024, The successful candidate will be expected to start by October 2024.