University PhD Research Studentship
School of Health & Life Sciences/Institute for Applied
Health Research
Reference Number: SHLS-141S
Studentship Project Title: Identifying high risk diabetic foot disease through quantitative plantar
pressure analysis
Applications are invited for a full-time PhD research studentship at Glasgow Caledonian University within
the School of Health & Life Sciences. The studentship is for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory
progress and provides payment of tuition fees at the UK/EU rate plus an annual stipend of £14,800
[please note that students from outside the EU are required to pay the difference between International
and EU fees, currently this would amount to £7,100 per annum]. The successful candidate will carry out
up to 6 hours of academic-related work per week as part of their research training.
Research Theme
Long-term Conditions
Research Project Summary
Collaborative research in 2014 between GCU and the University of Amsterdam identified independent
structural predictors of high plantar foot pressures in patients with diabetes. This is a known risk factor
for the development of foot ulceration. 1
These findings suggest that quantitative measurement of plantar pressures be adopted in the clinical risk
assessment of the patient. To the best of our knowledge this is not routinely performed in any Scottish
diabetic foot clinic. Risk assessment and stratification is undertaken through clinical assessment with
proxy indicators of pressure such as skin callus used.
This studentship seeks to undertake large-scale screening in a major centre of excellence for Diabetes at
the Glasgow Southern General Hospital. The research will develop robust statistical approaches to the
identification of pressure threshold values for risk; will investigate the prevalence of patients at high risk
according to quantitative foot pressure; and will appraise the costs and benefits to adding foot pressure
to routine clinical assessment.
1: Barn R, Waaijman R, Nollet F, Woodburn J, Bus SA. Predictors of Barefoot Plantar Pressure during Walking in Patients with
Diabetes, Peripheral Neuropathy and a History of Ulceration. PLoS One. 2015 Feb 3;10(2):e0117443.
Supervisory Team
Prof. Jim Woodburn
Dr Ruth Barn
Prof. Stuart Baird
Prof. Jon Godwin (statistical advisor)
Dr Brian Kennon (NHS GGC Consultant Diabetologist- clinical advisor)
Dr Sicco Bus (University of Amsterdam- International advisor)
Staff Contact
Prof Jim Woodburn (jim.woodburn@gcu.ac.uk )
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How to Apply
Applicants should complete the University Research Application Form, available from:
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/phdresearchopportunities/
Please send the form, stating the studentship project title and reference number, with a CV, copies of
academic qualifications, references, and any other required documentation to:
researchapplications@gcu.ac.uk
The closing date for applications is Monday 13 April 2015
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