Supervisors Offering Funded Studentships

125th Anniversary Studentships

Dr Nichola Callow, Dr Martin Edwards, Professor Bob Rafal

Brain networks involved in visual and kinaesthetic imagery.
The goal of the proposed research is to apply cognitive neuroscience techniques to investigate the neural mechanisms involved in internal visual, external visual and internal kinaesthetic movement imagery. Mental imagery is a central element in human behaviour. For example, imagery has been shown to be involved in the planning and execution of goal directed movements (Jeannerod, 2001; Jeannerod & Jacob, 2005) and facilitatory in motor learning and performance (e.g., Driskell, Copper, & Moran, 1994). Furthermore, research has shown that individual differences in imagery ability underlie the effectiveness of performance in these tasks. Therefore, when considering the effects of imagery on movement, the measurement of imagery ability is important. The project proposed aims to use the new VMIQ-2 imagery ability assessment with fMRI and TMS (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) in order to understand the brain networks involved in visual and kinaesthetic imagery.
n.callow@bangor.ac.uk

Dr. J. Macdonald, Dr S. Oliver and Dr. P. Mullins

The role of oxygen delivery and hydration state in development of Acute Mountain Sickness
The number of people visiting high altitude for recreation and work is substantial and increasing. Approximately 50% of high altitude sojourners will develop acute mountain sickness (AMS), significantly reducing enjoyment and work capacity, and potentially endangering life. However the precise etiology of AMS remains unclear. Proposed mechanisms include arterial hypoxaemia, changes to cerebral hemodynamics, and altered fluid balance, ultimately leading to vasogenic oedema and raised intra cranial pressure. Exercise and dehydration, which is commonly reported at high altitude, may further contribute to symptomology. We aim to investigate the role of oxygen delivery and hydration state in development of AMS. Specifically, we wish to refine outcome measures including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), near infrared spectroscopy and Doppler ultrasound, to investigate brain oedema and other organ involvement (e.g. altered oxygen delivery to muscle) in pathophysiology of symptoms common at high altitude. Experimental manipulations will include both laboratory and field based models of hypoxia, with manipulation of fluid balance and physical activity level.
j.h.macdonald@bangor.ac.uk

Dr Sam Marcora

Psychobiology of placebo/nocebo effects on physical performance
The placebo effect is a beneficial symptomatic, physiological, and/or performance change that occurs when an inert treatment (the placebo) is administered to a subject who is told that it is an active substance with specific pharmacological properties. The nocebo effect is a placebo effect in the opposite direction. The psychobiology of these effects is a hot research topic in clinical medicine and neuroscience. However, despite the popular belief that it is very important in sport, little is known about the effect of placebo on physical performance, and there are no published studies on the nocebo effect. The aim of the proposed research project is to investigate the placebo/nocebo effects on sport performance and its psychobiological mechanisms. This goal will be achieved using a combination of psychological and physiological interventions (e.g. pre-conditioning with caffeine), pharmacological manipulation of key neurotransmitters (e.g. dopamine), and psychophysiological measurements (e.g. facial EMG and EEG).
s.m.marcora@bangor.ac.uk

Dr Paul Mullins, Dr Jeremy Jones, Professor Robert Rafal

Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques to investigate whether there are differences in the way chronic widespread pain and chronic localised pain is expressed
Chronic pain can be defined as pain lasting longer than 3 months. A lot of research using magnetic resonance techniques has been performed on the expression of chronic pain - focussing on the differences in behaviour and brain activation. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy with MRI we are going to look at the similarities and differences in the expression of chronic widespread pain (in patients with fibromyalgia) and chronic localised pain (in patients with severe osteoarthritis of the hip or knee).
p.mullins@bangor.ac.uk

Professor Jane Noyes and Professor Richard Hastings

Broad project topic area: Disabled Children with Complex Needs
Over the last two decades there have been steady increases in the number of children with complex health and social care needs. These children are mainly cared for at home by their parents and families. This change in the epidemiology of childhood disability can be attributed to earlier diagnosis and prolonged survival, availability of smaller portable life supporting equipment and improved medical and nursing care. The impacts on children, parents and families are little understood and there is uncertainty about the effectiveness of interventions and services for this group of children. A high quality proposal on a specific research question/priority within this broad topic area will be developed in consultation with the student.
jane.noyes@bangor.ac.uk

Professor Michael Rees, Dr Jonathan Moore, Julian Breeze

Cardiac rehabilitation for the treatment of the Cardiac Syndrome X
Cardiac syndrome X (CSX) is different from coronary artery disease (CAD). CSX affects 20-30% of patients admitted to hospitals with angina-like pains; it is characterized by exertional chest pain associated with ST-segment depression despite a normal coronary arteriogram (Kemp et al., 1973). The studentship has two primary aims: (1) to undertake a case-control association study in CSX for various markers of cardiovascular function, systemic inflammation, and stress; and, (2) to undertake randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy of treatments available, such as cardiac rehabilitation (CR) physical training, educational programmes, drug treatments, and cognitive behavioural therapy.
michael.rees@bangor.ac.uk

Professor Rhiannon Tudor Edwards and Dr Barry Hounsome,

The Economics of Dementia
This project will entail collaborating across the Institute of Medical and Social Care Research (IMSCAR) between the Centre for Economics and Policy in Health (CEPhI) , the Bangor Dementia Services Development Centre(DSDC) and NWORTH (the Bangor Trials Unit). CEPhI is responsible for economic evaluation on 3 multi-million pound, UK-wide trials funded by the HTA and the NIHR of psychosocial interventions to support people with dementia. Together, these trials offer a real opportunity for methodological research into the way in which we collect cost information and measure health related quality of life in people with dementia and their carers. This affects trial results, cost-effectiveness and the evidence provided to commissioners of health and social care. The student will explore capability theory in dementia research.
r.t.edwards@bangor.ac.uk