Advancing the science and guidelines on physical activity and health for disabled people (MILTONK_U26FMH)

Disabled people, who represent 16% of the global population, are twice as likely as non-disabled people to be physically inactive, placing them at increased risk of ill-health and exacerbating health inequalities. National governments and public health agencies have begun to release physical activity guidelines for disabled people. However, existing evidence on the health effects of physical activity for disabled people is limited, meaning scientists often rely on the extrapolation of evidence from other (non-disabled) population groups to inform such guidelines.

In addition, the approach taken to develop physical activity guidelines for disabled people has been highly variable in terms of the process, the types of disabilities included in the evidence reviews, and the types and strength of evidence considered sufficient to inform guidelines. The PhD will include a mix of research methods. First and foremost, it will involve quantitative analysis of a large epidemiological dataset to explore prevalence and patterns in physical activity, as well as the association between physical activity and health outcomes in disabled people.

This will be complemented by other study types such as a review and/or Delphi study. Appropriate training will be provided depending on the needs and interests of the successful candidate.