Exercise, cardiovascular physiology and healthy ageing research scholarship

This project will test new intervention strategies that aim to enhance the effectiveness of cardiovascular rehabilitation.

The candidate will join the VasoActive cardiovascular research group, which includes researchers, clinicians and research-trainees from a broad range of disciplines including exercise physiology, biomedical science, cardiology, vascular surgery, nursing, psychology, physiotherapy, nutrition and dietetics and other areas of health. The candidate will be supervised by Professor Chris Askew and other members of the group.

The candidate will be based at the Sunshine Coast Health Institute (SCHI) and will carry out projects in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of clinical staff at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. This program provides the opportunity to develop a broad range of research skills including systematic literature reviews, clinical trial methodology, project management, grant writing, as well as publishing and conference presentations. The research will also utilise and provide opportunities to develop technical and clinical skills in functional assessments and fitness testing, cardiovascular assessments, cognitive performance tests, exercise rehabilitation and programming, and data analysis and interpretation.

This opportunity will suit a person who has a strong work ethic, is self-motivated, and has a desire to learn and develop as a researcher. The candidate will need to work well with others as part of a team and be able to communicate effectively and relate well with research participants (patients). Applicants with research and/or professional experience in exercise physiology, physiotherapy, nursing, psychology, dietetics, biomedical science, medicine and other relevant areas of health are encouraged to apply. Applicants should initially send a letter of interest and a current CV to Prof Chris Askew.

Current funded projects include:

• Exercise rehabilitation following lower limb revascularisation in patients with peripheral artery disease.
• Home based neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) therapy for peripheral artery disease.
• Home based and telehealth rehabilitation approaches for peripheral artery disease.
• Influence of beetroot juice supplementation on blood flow and muscle perfusion during exercise.
• Cardiovascular rehabilitation as an adjunct therapy in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm.
• Digital technology to promote healthy behaviours and foster social connection in older adults.
• Exercise, vascular function and brain health in older adults.