Studentship: Exploring Socioecological Factors Shaping Physical Activity in Neurodivergent Young People
* Liverpool John Moores University
* 30th March 2025
About the Project
Neurodivergent young people, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, are generally less active than their neurotypical peers. As a result, they may miss out on key health and well-being benefits linked to regular physical activity (PA). In practice, a range of inclusion work is existent but within the evidence base and academic literature there are few targeted interventions to support PA engagement in neurodivergent young people. This is due in part to a limited understanding of the factors influencing PA in this population, something this PhD project aims to address. Factors influencing PA behaviour in neurodivergent young people will be explored, with a particular focus on the school environment, a key setting where young people spend much of their time. Project findings will provide valuable insights that could lead to practical, transformative benefits locally, as well as contribute to broader academic research in the field, driving future strategies for promoting long-term health.
Physical literacy (PL) refers to the degree to which we have a positive and meaningful relationship with movement and PA. Having a relationship with movement and PA that is positive and meaningful makes us more likely to be and stay active, benefiting our health, wellbeing and quality of life. Research on neurodivergent young people has typically focused on intrapersonal individual level, including biological and demographic factors which influence PA. While the relationship between PA and motor skills is well-studied for example, the broader concept of PL has not been thoroughly explored. To address this knowledge gap, this project will examine how neurodivergent young people move (physical), connect (social), think (cognitive) and feel (affective) during movement and activity contexts. Additionally, PA is a complex behaviour influenced not only by intrapersonal factors but also by social, environmental, and policy factors. To capture these multifactorial determinants, this project will use the socioecological model, considering individuals within a subsystem.
This PhD will have three main aims: 1) Establish validated measures across the socioecological model for neurodivergent young people, including perceived PL (individual level) and PA provision (environmental level). 2) Collect detailed data on frequency, volume, and intensity of PA in neurodivergent young people using accelerometers. 3) Explore multifactorial determinants of PA associated with the school day.
A rigorous mixed-methods approach will be used to achieve these aims. By validating reliable measurement tools (study 1), the study will improve on previous research that has relied on subjective, unvalidated tools in this population. The project will use wrist-worn accelerometers to capture detailed, innovative data on PA behaviours (study 2). Qualitative methods will be used to explore contextual factors among key stakeholders (study 3). Creative and inclusive approaches will be used to capture the voices of young people with complex communication needs reducing barriers to participation that are evident in traditional interviews and focus groups (study 3).
The student will be based within the world-leading School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, at the forefront of innovation and development in sport and exercise sciences since 1975 and celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have at least a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject. A Masters degree in a relevant field is preferred. Relevant subjects include, but are not limited to, Sport and Exercise Science, Health and Exercise Science, Public Health, Psychology, P.E., Coaching.
Funding Notes
This studentship is funded by Liverpool John Moores University Faculty of Health Innovation, Technology and Science. Funding will consist of full tuition fees for three years and the award of a living stipend at UK Research Council rates. An additional £1600 p.a. will be available for research costs. The student will complete programme approval 3 months from the date of enrolment and will be expected to confirm the PhD registration within 12 months (subject to satisfactory progress and approval of the confirmation of registration report). Only candidates eligible to pay home fees can be considered for these studentships.
References
For an informal discussion about this opportunity please email Dr Sarah Taylor (S.L.Taylor1@ljmu.ac.uk) for more information. Applicants should email a CV (including contact details of two referees) and covering letter detailing suitability for the project to Sarah Taylor: S.L.Taylor1@ljmu.ac.uk. Applicants should be aware that interviews will take place mid-late April 2025. Studentship to commence June 2025. We are committed to making scientific research more inclusive and are keen to support applicants from groups that have long been underrepresented and/or marginalised from the field. If you belong to such groups, we would like to offer dedicated pre-application advice and mentorship, so that you can prepare the strongest possible application. Please contact Dr Sarah Taylor (S.L.Taylor1@ljmu.ac.uk) by 21/03/2025 for this opportunity.
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