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Ageing and disease are accompanied by the loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical function, subsequently compromising independent living and increasing the risk of injury and mortality from falls and fractures. These conditions present major social and healthcare costs, affecting individuals and their families. Over the years, research has shifted from solely investigating muscle mass loss to exploring the significant impact of poor physical function on health-related outcomes. Notably, physical function declines at a faster rate than muscle mass with ageing, and the link between muscle mass and function is weak. Therefore, other factors, such as deterioration within the nervous system—which is responsible for muscular control, movement capacity, and force production—appear to be fundamentally responsible for these losses.

Emerging evidence suggests that it is possible to partially reverse age-related impairments in cortico-motor neuronal function with exercise, potentially contributing to increased muscular strength and functional capacity in older individuals, in both healthy and diseased conditions. This is exciting as it indicates that age-related declines in motor function may be influenced by various interventions that alter how the nervous system operates, including exercise, nutrition, and neuroactive drugs.

Join us in this groundbreaking PhD project, where you will be utilising state-of-the-art technology, including High-Density Electromyography, to explore the effects of acute and chronic exercise, nutritional, and/or pharmacological interventions on neuronal adaptations. This research has the potential to make significant contributions to our understanding of ageing and disease, ultimately improving physical function and quality of life for many. If you are passionate about advancing human health and interested in conducting human research, we encourage you to apply and become a part of this innovative study.

Important dates

Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found.

Eligibility

Applicants must have completed research training and written a research thesis. Experience and skills in conducting human research in nutrition, exercise, and/or neurophysiology will be highly valued.

Interested students must be eligible for enrolment in a PhD program at Deakin University and eligible to apply for an Australian Postgraduate Award or equivalent. Please refer to the entry pathways to higher degrees by research for further information. We will work with suitably qualified applicants to apply for scholarship funding.