HDR Scholarship - Improving Muscle Strength and Bone Health in Multiple Sclerosis

This project will assess a twice weekly in-person high-intensity resistance and impact training (HiRIT) intervention compared to a control group for people with MS over a 24-month period. The first 12-month period will be focused on comparing group outcomes, including bone mineral density, muscle strength, quality of life, feasibility and acceptability. The second 12-month period will focus on program sustainability.

This is a national multi-site project, with sites in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia. It is a collaboration between Deakin University, Monash University, Griffith University and Edith Cowan University, as well as a number of partner organisations providing sites.

Background

• People with multiple sclerosis (MS) engage in less physical activity than healthy controls, even when controlling for disability level. Low levels of physical activity and exercise increase disability and decrease bone mineral density (BMD), thereby increasing osteoporosis, fall and fracture risk.
• The prevalence of osteoporosis is much higher in people with MS than the general Australian population and the incidence of fracture is 1.4-fold higher in people with MS compared with age- and sex-matched controls. Osteoporosis and fractures have a high healthcare expenditure and negatively impact quality of life.
• Given people with MS have existing disabilities, a fracture is likely to have a greater detrimental impact on their health compared to counterparts without MS. This is further compounded by other potential risk factors for osteoporosis and fractures, such as immobility, repeated courses of corticosteroids, vitamin D deficiency, impaired physical function, muscle weakness, and falls.

Applications close 5pm, Sunday 13 November 2024

This scholarship is available over 3 years.

• Stipend of $34,400 per annum tax exempt (2024 rate)
• Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate
• International students only:  Tuition fees offset for the duration of 4 years. Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.

To be eligible you must:

• be a domestic or international candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
• meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
• be enrolling full time and hold an honours degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research component.

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.

Additional criteria:

• be able to attend our partner sites, including Monash Health, Clayton, and MS Plus, Blackburn/Footscray as required.
• hold a relevant undergraduate degree, in health sciences, psychology, exercise science or related field.