PhD project – SHE MOVES

Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are known risk factors for non-communicable diseases, with women more inactive and sedentary than men (WHO, 2018; 2020; Heesch & Sahlqvist, 2012). Despite this, only one-third of the European population meets the minimum recommended levels of physical activity (Hallal et al., 2012). The built environment has a significant impact on physical activity behaviour and environments for active living are considered a ‘pre-requisite’ for better health outcomes (GilesCorti & Donovan, 2002, Sallis et al, 2012). Women are more inactive than men in most countries (Guthold et al., 2018), with environmental constraints cited more often than men and a reduced likelihood of active travel participation (Heesch & Salqvist, 2012). Sustainable transport is recognised as a key component of sustainable development, contributing to good health and well-being and reducing emissions (UN, 2015). However, at present there is a lack of gender neutrality within transport and how physical activity infrastructure is designed, which affects modal choice (TUMI, 2018). This study aims to explore the relationship between the built environment, women’s physical activity and active travel behaviour and subsequent health outcomes. The study will:

● Review the literature on gender, physical activity, active travel and health

● Use a mixed-methods approach to understand current perceptions of physical activity, active travel and health and its relationship to the built environment

● Explore the most effective approaches for increasing physical activity levels and active travel participation amongst women

● Establish the health and economic benefit of increasing women’s physical activity and active travel

What is funded

Student Stipend €18,500 p.a.

Materials/ Travel etc €2,600 p.a.

Fees Covered by TU Dublin

Duration

4 years

Eligibility

Student requirements for this project

Essential:

• A Level 8 Degree qualification at minimum 2.1 in Grade in Sports Management, Sport Science, Physical Education, Psychology, Public health or a related discipline
• Familiarity with the use of statistical analysis software (SPSS, R etc) and/or qualitative analysis software (NVivo)
• Excellent Communication skills, in particular, report writing and presentation skills, interpersonal and intrapersonal skills
• Strong time management and organisational skills, attention to detail
• Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English;

Desirable :

• A Level 9 qualification in a cognate field.
• Experience (academic or professional) in area of physical activity, sport or health promotion

Timeline:

Application Deadline: 31^st January 2022 at 5pm

Interviews: Mid-February 2022

Project Start: 1^st March 2022

Application Process

Please email the following to phd@tudublin.ie

Expression of Interest Form (here)

Full CV

1 Page (Size 10 Font, 1.5 Spaced) Overview of Physical Activity in Females

Names and email contact details for two referees (minimum)

Application deadline  31st January 2022 at 5pm