PhD in Sport and Exercise Sciences - Biomechanics

University of Leeds

A research degree in the Faculty of Biological Sciences is an opportunity to gain and develop skills as an independent researcher in your chosen field. Under the supervision of your lead supervisor and one or more co-supervisors, you will get the chance to carry out cutting-edge research on a particular biological problem and to become part of a large research community using multi-disciplinary approaches to tackle today’s important research questions. Throughout your PhD you will not only strengthen your research skills and knowledge within your research area but also develop skills through our training programmes as well as through attendance as seminars and conferences.Research in exercise and sports biomechanics focuses on the biomechanical function of the lower limb and spine. Performance is governed by the capacity of the musculoskeletal system to control, absorb and utilise the reaction forces associated with ground contact. By integrating information from motion analysis, muscle activity and force measurements we can determine a mechanistic pathway for increased performance and reduced injury occurrence. Specific areas of interest include the biomechanical aetiology of overuse injury in physical activity, sport and exercise, the mechanical adaptation to locomotion under various external conditions or novel environments, the influence of prosthetics on gait. We use and test a range of techniques to support this research, including motion capture, in-shoe pressure measurements, and smart technology to provide biofeedback for prosthetics.