Royal Navy Musculoskeletal Injury Mitigation Programme, PhD Programme 1: Prospective, Longitudinal Study of Anthropometric Factors and Lower Limb Biomechanics During Military Specific Tasks and Musculoskeletal Injury Risk

Department of Public Health and Sports Sciences, St Luke’s Campus, Exeter

The University of Exeter’s Department of Public Health and Sports Sciences is inviting applications for a PhD studentship funded by the Royal Navy Musculoskeletal Injury Mitigation Programme to commence on 23 September 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. For eligible students the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £19,237 for 3 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study. 

This studentship is one of six projects that support the Royal Navy Musculoskeletal Injury Mitigation Programme (RN MMP) Doctoral Student programme (with the University of Bath and University of Southampton).

Project Description:

This PhD project is part of the Royal Navy Musculoskeletal Injury Mitigation Programme, led by the Institute of Naval Medicine (INM). Musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) and poor health behaviours amongst Armed Forces personnel remain common and persistent problems, impacting employability, and reducing Force operational effectiveness. The Royal Navy MSKI Mitigation Programme (RN MMP), aims to support Sailor and Royal Marines’ health and performance through developing an organisational MSKI risk screening model; and supporting effective and efficient management of rehabilitation and recovery back to Service. To support the scientific evidence-based development, implementation and initial evaluation of the RN MMP, six PhD programmes have been established with the RN MMP Academic Partner University Consortium – comprising the University of Exeter, University of Southampton and University of Bath.

The focus of this PhD project (RN MMP Programme 1) is on the prospective study of anthropometric and biomechanical risk factors associated with injury risk in RN and RM trainees and trained personnel progressing through their Service careers. The successful candidate will be based at the University of Exeter, with data collection at RN and RM establishments. The project will involve the collection of lower limb biomechanical data for functional tasks such as walking, running and jump landings, alongside lower limb anthropometric data. The project will run alongside the other PhD projects of the RN MMP, with data also contributing to a holistic model of lower limb injury risk.

This position is open to UK nationals only. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. This award provides annual funding to cover Home tuition fees and a tax-free stipend.