Leeds Beckett University Three Sponsored Masters by Research in collaboration with Crystal Palace Football Club

Funding will consist of UK full tuition fees for one year.

A laptop will be provided and the opportunity to apply for funding to support the research project.

Project Area 1 and 2 – Acute and chronic effects of micro dosing training on neuromuscular responses.

Training prescription involves the manipulation of the frequency, intensity, duration, and type of training. Fixture congestion in professional football limits time to prescribe modalities such as sprint and strength training (Nicholson et al., 2023). Microdosing (i.e., low-volume and high-intensity training) sprinting and strength training is becoming a common approach in practice. However, little is known about the acute and chronic neuromuscular responses to such types of training (Cuadrado-Penafiel et al., 2023). Therefore, the aim of this project is to assess the acute and chronic neuromuscular responses to different microdosing of intensive (deceleration) and extensive (sprint) training modalities.

Project Area 3 – Evaluating the reliability and sensitivity of using standardised running drills and tri-axial accelerometers to inform academy player’s pre- and post-match fatigue status.

The highly variable demands of professional soccer match play induces acute post-match fatigue effects characterised by substantial transient reductions in neuromuscular function (Nedelec et al. 2012; Jeffries et al., 2022). For example, sprinting and jump performance has been reported to substantially reduce (Nedelec et al. 2012). However, congested fixture schedules reduce the practicality of regularly testing and monitoring fatigue status. An alternative to monitor neuromuscular fatigue is the use of tri-axial accelerometer data during warm-up integrated submaximal runs (Leduc.  et  al.,  2020; Horsley et al., 2021). It has been suggested that when speed and distance is controlled during these runs, changes to instantaneous accelerations to tri-axial, vertical and mediolateral planes could provide insight into gait changes caused by fluctuations in neuromuscular state (Lacome et al., 2018; Leduc. et al., 2020). However, their sensitivity to academy soccer match play has yet to be determined. Therefore, the aim of the project is to evaluate the reliability and sensitivity of using standardised running drills and tri-axial accelerometers to inform academy player’s pre and post-match fatigue status.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposals with the project lead Dr Dan Weaving (d.a.weaving@leedsbeckett.ac.uk)

Currently subject to contract

Cuadrado-Penafiel, V., Castano-Zambudio, A., Martinez-Aranda, L.M., Gonzalez-Hernandez, J.M., Martin-Acero, R. & Jimenez-Reyes, P. (2023). Microdosing sprint distribution as an alternative to achieve better sprint performance in field hockey players. Sensors, 23(2). doi: 10.3390/s23020650.

Horsley, B.J., Tofari, P.J., Halson, S., Kemp, J.G., Dickson, J., Maniar, N. & Cormack, S.J. (2021). Does site matter? Impact of inertial measurement unit placement on the validity and reliability of stride variables during running: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 51, pp. 1449-1489.

Jeffries, A.C., Marcora, S.M., Coutts, A.J., Wallace, L., McCall, A. & Impellizzeri, F.M. (2022). Development of a revised conceptual framework of physical training for use in research and practice. Sports Medicine, 52(4), pp. 709-724. doi: 10.1007/s40279-021-01551-5.

Leduc, C., Tee, J., Lacome, M., Weakley, J., Cheradame, J., Ramirez, C. & Jones, B. (2020). Convergent validity, reliability, and sensitivity of a running test to monitor neuromuscular fatigue. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15(8), pp. 1067-1073. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2019-0319.

Nedelec, M., McCall, A., Carling, C., Legall, F., Berthoin, S. & Dupont, G. (2012). Recovery in soccer: part 1: post-match fatigue and time course of recovery. Sports Medicine, 42(12), pp. 997-1015.

Nicholson, B., Dinsdale, A., Jones, B. & Till, K. (2021). The training of short distance sprint performance in football code athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 51(6), pp. 1179-1207. doi: 10.1007/s40279-020-01372-y.

As part of your application, please provide a CV, cover letter and research proposal. The proposal should align to the above theme and include a brief literature review related to this project, with an outline of the studies that you would propose to the answer the aims of the MRes (maximum 5 pages single spaced).

We can only consider complete applications. The research degree application is complete once you have uploaded all of the following:

1. Your application form (include the project reference CP MRES)
2. Your research proposal, statement of purpose and CV on the Research proposal template
3. Copies of your bachelors and master certificates, including transcripts
4. Copy of your IELTS (or equivalent) certificate (if applicable) further information can be found on our Graduate School FAQs
5. Copy of your passport

Email the documentation above) to researchadmissions@leedsbeckett.ac.uk 

The deadline for applications is midnight on 14th May 2023

Interviews are likely to take place the week beginning 12th June 2023

If you are applying from outside the UK it is important that you are aware of the entry and additional fee requirements.  Before you apply please contact colleagues in our LBU Graduate School researchadmissions@leedsbeckett.ac.uk for further information, to discuss the requirements and your application.