PHD (University of Bath) - Optimising the Prevention and Management of Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease in Academy Footballers

Job Description

About the Project
The University of Bath is inviting applications for the following PhD project in the Department for Health commencing in January 2024.

The Project:

The adolescent growth spurt is a stage of development where young athletes may be more susceptible to injuries, such as Osgood-Schlatter's Disease (OSD), due to rapid changes in size, physique, functionality at a point where the musculoskeletal system is developing. The site of attachment from tendon to bone is considered vulnerable when it is made of apophyseal cartilage before it has fully ossified. Historically OSD was considered a self-limiting condition that resolves itself with ossification of the tuberosity. However, recent research demonstrates short- and long-term effects of OSD on sports related function, quality of life, and physical qualities with evidence suggesting the pathology can last up to and beyond two years. Despite an awareness that OSD is related to sports specific loading and periods of rapid growth and maturation, it is unclear what factors predispose certain athletes to the condition, what its long-term implications may be (i.e., retention, performance, future health status and injury risk). There is a lack of research evaluating strategies to prevent and manage this condition.

There have been advances in the assessment of growth and maturation in academy football, in addition to developments in approaches to measure load (external and internal) and subsequent responses to the load experienced by youth footballers. These investigations have been led by researchers at the University of Bath, which make it possible to better predict and identify when athletes enter periods of rapid growth. Emerging evidence also suggests that modifications to training prescription and the ensuing adjustments to training load and content has the potential to reduce injury incidence and burden in young athletes during the adolescent growth spurt; a developmental stage at which athletes are at particular risk for growth related injuries. This research is, however, still in its infancy and further investigations are required to better understand the mechanisms underpinning such effects and how they relate to specific conditions such as OSD.

The studentship will involve an exciting collaboration between the University of Bath’s Centre for Health, Injury, and Illness Prevention in Sport and Manchester City FC. The studentship will involve the following three studies:

Study one will use historical data to identify and better understand the antecedents and short- and long-term consequences of OSD in academy footballers

Study two will build upon evidence gathered in study one and combine qualitative and co-design approaches (i.e., involving academy heads, coaches, sports science, and medical practitioners) to develop an interdisciplinary, experientially-informed intervention to identify and manage players at risk of OSD, improve player and parents’ understanding and awareness of OSD risks and symptomology and mitigate the incidence of OSD and its associated burden.

Finally, study three will adopt a mixed methods approach to both implement the OSD intervention (i.e., adoption, fidelity) and examine its impact upon player injury incidence and burden, and player and parents’ understanding and awareness of the condition.

Candidate Requirements:

Fulfil the entrance requirements for a Department for Health PhD, as well as have an undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy and be HCPC registered. Candidates should have excellent interpersonal skills (oral and written), work well within a team, and possess the ability to work independently. In addition, candidates must be willing to work unsociable hours (nights and weekends). We are looking for candidates with inquisitive minds and the ability to further explore solutions to the performance questions raised throughout the project. It is desirable that the candidates possess the following:

· A MSc in Sports Injury Management, Sports Medicine, Data Science, Medical Statistics, Public Health or a Sport Science related field.

· Experience working in an elite or professional sport environment.

· Experience working with youth athletes.

A relevant pitch side trauma qualification (ITMIF, PHICIS Level 2 or above)

Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.

Applicants should apply online to study for a full time PhD in Health. It is important to quote the project title Optimising the Prevention and Management of Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease in Academy Footballers on your application. When completing the form, in the 'Funding your studies' section, please select 'URSA' from the first drop-down list, and 'Industry Sponsor' from the second drop-down list, and specify 'MCFC' in the text box. In the 'Your PhD project' section, please state the project title Optimising the Prevention and Management of Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease in Academy Footballers and the name of the lead supervisor in the appropriate boxes. Failure to complete these instructions precisely will result in a delay in processing your application and may result in you missing the deadline for consideration.

Enquiries and Applications

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Prof Sean Cummings: [email protected]

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.

Funding Eligibility

In order to be considered for the available studentship, you must qualify as a Home student. In determining Home student status, we follow the UK government’s fee regulations and guidance from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). Further information may also be found within the University’s fee status guidance.

EU/EEA citizens who live outside the UK are unlikely to be eligible for ‘Home’ fees and funding

Interviews

1st Stage Interviews: November 14th, 2023

2nd Stage Interviews: November 23rd – 24th, 2023