Enhancing the Otago Exercise Programme for Bone Health
Help develop and evaluate an enhanced home-based exercise programme designed to preserve bone health and reduce falls risk in postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis.
About this award
This fully funded three-year PhD studentship will explore how the established Otago Exercise Programme can be adapted to better support bone health in women with osteopenia or osteoporosis. The project is supported by Osprey and match-funded by the local NHS Trust.
The successful candidate will join the University of Hull and gain experience in a range of clinical and applied research methods, including exercise prescription, surface electromyography (EMG), DEXA scanning, human movement analysis, clinical research, patient and public involvement, and mixed-methods research.
Alongside the PhD, the candidate will complete the University's Postgraduate Training Scheme and receive extensive project-specific research training.
For informal enquiries, contact Dr Steve Hayes.
What you will get
- Home tuition-fee waiver
- Maintenance stipend at the applicable UKRI rate
- Project funding is also available for equipment and testing
Who's it for?
Postgraduate research students with a good UK honours degree (first or upper second) or equivalent qualification/experience
Who's eligible?
UK applicants who meet the entry requirements and are in full time study
About this opportunity
Course duration
3 years
Writing-up period
Not covered
Study mode
Full time
Funding available
Home tuition fee waiver, maintenance stipend, project funding for equipment and testing
Application date
All applications must be received by 17:00 Monday 16 November 2026
About the project
Exercise can help preserve bone mineral density, but many existing programmes involving heavy loads or high-impact activities may not be suitable or appealing for women with osteopenia or osteoporosis.
This project will enhance the home-based Otago Exercise Programme by incorporating resistance bands and high-speed contractions to increase muscle strength, bone loading and functional performance.
The PhD will comprise four interconnected studies:
- A systematic evidence review
- A laboratory EMG study comparing traditional and banded Otago exercises
- A feasibility and repeatability study in adults aged over 55
- A 12-month clinical study comparing usual NHS care, banded Otago, and high-speed banded Otago interventions
Primary outcomes will include bone mineral density measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Secondary outcomes will include blood-based biomarkers, strength, balance, falls, fear of falling and body composition.
About the partnership
This studentship is supported by Osprey and match-funded by the local NHS Trust. The successful candidate will work with academic, clinical and community partners and receive support from experienced supervisors across the University, helping to ensure the research delivers meaningful real-world impact.
How to apply
Applicants should submit the University's online PhD application and include a personal statement outlining:
- Their motivation for doctoral study
- Interest in the project
- Relevant skills and experience
- Any training and development needs
- Their understanding of the wider significance and future direction of the research
A separate research proposal is not required.
Eligibility
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in:
- Sport and Exercise Science
- Strength and Conditioning
- Physiotherapy
- Rehabilitation
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
- Or a closely related subject
A relevant Master's degree is desirable but not essential.
Applicants should demonstrate an interest in exercise for clinical or older populations, strong communication and organisational skills, and the ability to work effectively with research participants and clinical partners.
Experience of exercise delivery, EMG, DEXA, biomechanics, clinical research, systematic reviews or statistical analysis would be advantageous, although full training will be provided.
This studentship is currently available on a full-time basis only.
Funding
The successful applicant will receive:
- A Home tuition fee waiver
- A maintenance stipend at the applicable UKRI rate, increasing annually in line with UKRI guidance
- Project funding for equipment, testing and research-related costs
No stipend or tuition fee waiver is available during any additional writing-up period.
International students
International applicants may be considered. If successful, applicants may be required to pay the difference between Home and International tuition fees and demonstrate access to sufficient funds, subject to eligibility confirmation.
Get in touch
Have a question that’s not answered here? Reach out to us today.
Call +44 (0)1482 466844
