Understanding the mechanisms behind age-related balance and movement change, and/or exploring strategies to improve balance, function, and wellbeing in the older adult population

Doctoral researchers working in this area will conduct experimental research, exploring the underpinning reasons (mechanisms) for increased falls risk, and/or functional movement change in the older adult population with or without co-existing diseases or disorders. These projects may also use existing or developed understanding to create and assess the effectiveness of interventions to improve balance and movement and understand how these changes are perceived/experienced by older adults. 

Supervisor interests
Dr Daniel Low is a biomechanist interested in the mechanisms behind age-related human movement change and the increased risk of falling. He routinely utilises force plates, motion analysis, EMG, and dynamometry to explore these mechanisms in healthy older adults, as well in older adults with conditions such as Sarcopenia (poor muscle function) and Generalised Anxiety Disorder. Furthermore, he explores the effectiveness of different interventions (e.g. exercise, educational, muscle heating) to improve balance, function, and wellbeing in older populations.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:

1. Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
2. Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
3. Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

Good luck!

This is a self funded topic

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Daniel Low - Daniel Low joined the Division of Sports, Health and Exercise Sciences at Brunel University London in 2019. He is a Brunel University graduate, completing the Sports Science degree in 2004. He then completed an MSc and PhD in Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Exeter, whereby his Masters and Doctorate theses focused on the effect of different playing surfaces and footwear on lower extremity biomechanics of football (soccer) players. He has a continued research interest in the effects of sports playing surface and footwear on the body, as well as the biomechanical mechanisms behind balance and the effect that exercise, anxiety and ageing has on our ability to remain upright. During his time as a lecturer at Aberystwyth University, Daniel supervised many undergraduate and post-graduate students including those studying for a PhD; he has also externally and internally examined research students theses. He also regularly reviews for national and international academic journals. Daniel is a Senior Fellow of the HEA and is accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science for his pedagogical work; he has also developed a number of degree programmes relating to sport and exercise science and biology. Daniel is a member of staff in the Division of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Department of Life Sciences and a member of the Centre for Human Performance, Exercise and Rehabilitation