PhD Studentship: Whey Protein and Milk Derivates for Enhancing Muscle Performance of Middle-Aged and Older Exercisers/Athletes

Whey protein appears to be a useful nutritional adjunct to exercise training. Whilst other more novel milk derivates may also offer functional benefits when consumed alongside regular physical training, but these have had limited scientific attention to date. The purpose of this PhD is to investigate the efficacy of whey protein and other milk derivates for enhancing muscle performance of middle-aged and older exercisers including masters athletes. This exciting contemporary project is supported by Volac.

The project is likely to involve a series of studies to examine the neuromuscular responses/adaptations of regular exercisers to whey/milk derivate supplementation. Early work will likely focus on refining specific methods in acute settings/measurements or cross-sectional studies, but the major focus is expected to be longitudinal nutritional interventions administered in double blind placebo-controlled designs whilst participants perform either their habitual exercise routine or a prescribed exercise programme. Outcome measurements are likely to focus on muscle functional (strength & power), anatomical (size, architecture) and neural (activation) assessments alongside body composition and nutritional measures.

The studentship is for 4 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £17,668 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK rate. International students may apply however the total value of the studentship will cover the international tuition fee only.