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.

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%.