Leeds Beckett University Fees Funded Masters by Research (MRes) in collaboration with Output Sports 'The application of velocity-loss threshold training to a mens Super BUCS Rugby Union physical preparation programme'

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: The application of velocity-loss threshold training to a mens Super BUCS Rugby Union physical preparation programme

This project will examine the contrasting effects of velocity-based strength training (ST), specifically applying a velocity loss threshold (VLT), compared with a repetitions in reserve approach. The aim of this project is to consider the efficacy of applying a VLT approach to ST in an applied multi-modal environment. More specifically, does VLT minimize the development of residual fatigue, augmenting the simultaneous development of power and sprint speed from concurrent training stimuli, compared to a non-velocity-based approach?

This research project will be embedded within Leeds Beckett Men’s Rugby Union squad and will require in-situ data collection from their Strength and Conditioning (S&C) programme. The successful applicant will be embedded within the Leeds Beckett S&C Team for the 2023-24 season, commencing in August 2023. The applicant will be required to support their S&C delivery across the season.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposals with the project lead Dr Mark Helme (mark.helme@leedsbeckett.ac.uk)

1. Owen, C., Till, K., Phibbs, P., Read, D. J., Weakley, J., Atkinson, M., Cross, M., Kemp, S., Sawczuk, T., Stokes, K., Williams, S. and Jones, B. (2021) A multidimensional approach to identifying the physical qualities of male English regional academy rugby union players; considerations of position, chronological age, relative age and maturation. European Journal of Sport Science, pp. 1-11. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2021.2023658.
2. Till, K., Cobley, S., Morley, D., O'Hara, J., Chapman, C. and Cooke, C. (2016a) The influence of age, playing position, anthropometry and fitness on career attainment outcomes in rugby league. Journal of Sports Sciences, 34(13)  Jul 2, pp. 1240-1245. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2015.1105380. 
3. Till, K., Jones, B. and Geeson-Brown, T. (2016b) Do physical qualities influence the attainment of professional status within elite 16-19 year old rugby league players? Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 19(7)  Jul, pp. 585-589. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2015.07.001. 
4. Till, K., Tester, E., Jones, B., Emmonds, S., Fahey, J. and Cooke, C. (2014) Anthropometric and Physical Characteristics of English Academy Rugby League Players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 28(2)  Feb, pp. 319-327. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182a73c0e. 
5. Weakley, J., Mann, B., Banyard, H., McLaren, S., Scott, T. and Garcia-Ramos, A. (2021) Velocity-Based Training: From Theory to Application. Strength & Conditioning Journal, 43(2), pp. 31-49. doi: 10.1519/ssc.0000000000000560. 
6. Weakley, J., McLaren, S., Ramirez-Lopez, C., Garcia-Ramos, A., Dalton-Barron, N., Banyard, H., Mann, B., Weaving, D. and Jones, B. (2020a) Application of velocity loss thresholds during free-weight resistance training: Responses and reproducibility of perceptual, metabolic, and neuromuscular outcomes. J Sports Sci, 38(5)  Mar, pp. 477-485. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2019.1706831. 
7. Weakley, J., Ramirez-Lopez, C., McLaren, S., Dalton-Barron, N., Weaving, D., Jones, B., Till, K. and Banyard, H. (2020b) The Effects of 10%, 20%, and 30% Velocity Loss Thresholds on Kinetic, Kinematic, and Repetition Characteristics During the Barbell Back Squat. Int J Sports Physiol Perform, 15(2)  Feb 1, pp. 180-188. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2018-1008. 
8. Weakley, J., Wilson, K., Till, K., Banyard, H., Dyson, J., Phibbs, P., Read, D. and Jones, B. (2018) Show Me, Tell Me, Encourage Me: The Effect of Different Forms of Feedback on Resistance Training Performance. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, Publish Ahead of PrintOct 4. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002887. 

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 OS1)
2. Your research proposal, statement of purpose and CV on the Research Proposal Template
   
3. Copies of your bachelors certificates, including transcripts (if you have just finished your course and do not have your transcript or certificate please contact LBU Graduate School researchadmissions@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
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 18th June 2023

Candidates must be available for interview week beginning 3rd July 2023