PhD Studentship: Physiological and Perceived Effects of the Menstrual Cycle on Sport and Exercise Performance

Closing date of advert: 16th June 2024

Start date: October 2024

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead: Dr Emma O'Donnell

Primary supervisor: Dr Emma O'Donnell

Secondary supervisors: Dr Richard Ferguson, Dr Laura Barrett

Primary supervisor email address: e.odonnell@lboro.ac.uk

Primary supervisor telephone number: +441509225458

Project detail:

Women are participating in sport in unprecedented numbers. However, sports science research in female athletes remains surprisingly under-investigated. This has resulted in study findings from male-focused research being applied to females, and has resulted in a poor understanding of the effects of the menstrual cycle on exercise performance in female athletes. Beyond reproduction, the ovarian hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone, exert biological effects on numerous physiological systems that are linked with exercise performance. Menstrual symptoms are also reported to impact exercise performance. Despite this, the effects of the fluctuations in ovarian hormones across menstrual cycle on exercise performance remain unclear.

By undertaking novel research approaches to address this important question, your work will contribute to better understanding of the independent and combined effects of the physiological and perceptual effects of the menstrual cycle on exercise performance in female athletes. Join us on this exciting journey and help us pave the way to improving support for female athletes and their practitioners.

Experience conducting research projects, exercise testing with humans, cardiovascular assessment of humans, and excellent personal, written and oral communication skills are desirable.

This project is part of the Health and Wellbeing of Women in Sport PhD Cluster that brings together multidisciplinary project teams and cross cutting PhD Projects. Learn more here.

Entry requirements:

Applicants must have, or expect to have, at least a 2:1 honours degree (or international equivalent) with a UK master's degree (with average programme mark of no less than 65%) or international equivalent.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. IELTS band 7.0 or above with not less than 7.0 in each component. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding information:

The studentship is for 3 years (full time) and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees.

All applications should be made online. Please click on the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our website and complete the Application Form. Under programme name, select the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. Please quote the advertised reference number: SSEHS/VCEO24 in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

Project search terms:

endocrinology, reproductive biology, sport & exercise science - other, sport performance

Other search terms not listed:

female athlete; exercise physiology; menstrual cycle; reproductive health; cardiovascular physiology; athletic performance; menstrual symptoms; perceptions

Email Address SSEHS: pgr-ssehs@lboro.ac.uk

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