PhD Studentship: An integrated Biopsychosocial approach to understanding physical activity patterns in people living with chronic low back pain

This project provides an annual stipend of £19,237. 

Project advert

Chronic, non-specific low back pain (CLBP) is a leading cause of disability globally. CLBP is believed to be maintained by a combination of biopsychosocial factors – where pain is influenced by biological, psychological, and social elements. Rehabilitation approaches rely on this biopsychosocial framework, however limited research has investigated how all three elements affect the way which people with CLBP approach simple tasks.

This study will allow individuals with CLBP to modify the weight lifted in a repeated lifting task; and aims to investigate the decision-making process underlying their alterations, and the impact of these changes on biological and pain outcomes.  Before and after the task, participants will be asked about things that act as barriers and facilitators to completing the task, their decision-making processes around lifting, and how this is influenced by their views on social norms surrounding CLBP. A range of biological, psychological, and social approaches will be used to comprehensively investigate how these factors influence task performance.

A successful candidate will work with experts in chronic pain at the Institute of Sport and collaborate with leading researchers across the globe. The results of this project will underpin the development of novel rehabilitation approaches to improve pain related outcomes.

Project aims and objectives

This project aims to apply an integrated biopsychosocial approach to understand the influence of chronic low back pain on decision-making and performance of a lifting task at self-selected mass increments. Specific objectives include:

• Investigate social factors which influence individual lifting priorities, barriers to lifting, and perceptions of social norms which might influence the choice of lifting approach.
• Investigate psychological elements which influence the decision-making process for selecting mass increments.
• Investigate the impact of lifting approach on muscle activity and movement.
• Characterise the biopsychosocial profile of the individual based on their social beliefs, decision-making and task performance.

Specific requirements of the candidate

The ideal candidate will have a degree in a field related to sport and exercise sciences, kinesiology, physiotherapy, occupational health, psychology or in a field related to social work with experience of working with chronic pain. A master’s degree will be looked favourably on but is not essential.

Experience working in a movement laboratory, working with individuals with chronic pain, and/or prior experience collecting data using one of the key methods in this project is desirable but not essential.

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Dr Andy Sanderson for an informal discussion.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Sport and Exercise Sciences (or download the PGR application form).

You should also complete the (PGR thesis proposal and a Narrative CV) form addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.

Closing date: 14 October 2024. Expected start date: January 2025 for Home students and April 2025 for International students. 

Please quote the reference: SciEng-2024-Low-Back-Pain

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