Fully-funded PhD Studentship
“Making a move in exercise referral”: multidisciplinary evaluation of a
theory-based approach to promote physical activity for adults with health
conditions
The studentship will run for 3 years commencing December 2015 and includes a stipend (currently
£14,057 pa) plus the cost of tuition fees (UK/EU rate).
Closing date for applications: 5pm Thursday 8th October 2015
Project overview
Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for lifestyle-related diseases (e.g. cardiovascular disease,
cancer, diabetes) and is estimated to cost the UK £7.4bn per annum. With >50% adults failing to
meet recommendations for physical activity (PA), effective prescription to increase PA levels is of
utmost importance. Currently over 600 exercise referral (ER) schemes are in operation across the UK,
typically involving referral for inactive individuals with health conditions to a 12-week programme of
subsidised exercise at a local leisure centre. However ER schemes do not typically use behaviour
change theory or focus on improving long-term PA levels and there is an urgent need for high quality
trials to explore the long-term effectiveness of ERSs on behavioural, psychosocial and physical health
outcomes.
This project will involve the development and evaluation of a novel ER scheme (in collaboration with
Wirral Community NHS Trust) that promotes long-term PA behaviour change for inactive individuals
who have a health condition or other health risk factors. The PhD will draw on Glasgow et al.’s (1999)
RE-AIM framework to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of the ER scheme within a
real-world setting. The student will adopt a multidisciplinary PA and health focus that requires an
understanding of psychological theory (e.g. self-determination theory, transtheoretical model of
health behaviour change) and a willingness to collect and analyse behavioural (e.g. PA
measurements), psychosocial (e.g. psychometric questionnaires) and clinical health (e.g. blood
pressure, fitness) outcome data (relevant training will be provided). The PhD will adopt a mixedmethod approach, drawing on both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
Supervision and environment
The PhD will be supervised by Dr Paula Watson, Professor Dick Thijssen and Dr Rebecca Murphy
from the Physical Activity Exchange in the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES)
at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). RISES is a world-renowned research institute
employing 55 leading academic staff within the fields of sports science, physical activity and health.
In the recent Research Excellence Framework (Dec 2014), RISES was in the top two sports science
higher education institutions in the UK (first when taking into account the point scores and number
of staff submitted) and 11th out of 1911 submissions in all subject areas. The student will be part of a
large network of postgraduate students across RISES and will receive a programme of ongoing
training and development, including completion of LJMU’s accredited 3is teaching programme.
Person specification
We are looking for a pro-active, driven individual with an interest in physical activity and health.
Essential





Strong undergraduate degree in an area related to PA and health (equivalent to a UK upper
second class honours or above)
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Interest in multidisciplinary approaches to enhancing long-term PA adherence
Ability to conduct both quantitative and qualitative research
Appreciation of the challenges of conducting research within a “real-world” environment
Desirable



Relevant postgraduate qualification
Experience of relevant data collection techniques (e.g. accelerometry, psychometric
questionnaires, clinical health markers, qualitative interviewing)
Knowledge of psychological theory (e.g. self-determination theory, transtheoretical model of
health behaviour change)
How to apply
Please e-mail your CV and personal statement (max one page A4) to Dr Paula Watson
(p.m.watson@ljmu.ac.uk ) by 5pm Thursday 8th October 2015. Your personal statement should
make clear how you meet the essential / desirable criteria for the role, highlighting key evidence to
support your points.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview on Monday 19th October 2015.
For informal enquiries about this studentship please contact Dr Paula Watson on
p.m.watson@ljmu.ac.uk
LJMU is committed to achieving equality of opportunity.