This EPSRC-funded 3.5-year PhD project at Cardiff University focuses on quantifying loading in the lumbar spine using innovative imaging methods and advanced musculoskeletal modelling. Back pain is a major health issue affecting over 1 in 6 people in the UK, with significant economic impact. Current treatments for chronic low back pain and vertebral disc degeneration often have variable outcomes, and there is a need for better prediction of patient responses to surgical interventions. The project aims to address this gap by developing a robust, subject-specific spine modelling framework that integrates movement, loading, anatomy, and muscle activity. Traditional computational models rely on marker-based motion capture, which can introduce inaccuracies due to soft-tissue artifacts. This studentship leverages Dynamic Biplane X-Ray imaging (DBX), a technology developed at Cardiff, to capture real-time spine movement, combined with high-fidelity MRI to provide precise input data for musculoskeletal models. The interdisciplinary research will quantify in-vivo lumbar spine biomechanics during daily activities and validate modelling approaches using data from healthy volunteers. The framework developed will also be applied to study pathologies such as lower back pain. The student will join the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Facility (MSKBRF) at Cardiff and benefit from collaborative training with the University of Exeter, including musculoskeletal modelling, DBX imaging, and analysis, as well as access to the Doctoral Training Academy. The structured program includes a literature review and training in imaging and modelling in Year 1, validation and data collection in Year 2, and application of the modelling framework to produce high-quality research papers in Year 3. Applicants should have a strong background in engineering or a related field and meet English language requirements. Full funding is available for both Home and International students, with tuition fees and a generous stipend provided. The application deadline is January 9, 2026, but the opportunity may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found. For informal inquiries, contact Prof C A Holt at Holt@cardiff.ac.uk.

This EPSRC DLA 3.5-year PhD project at Cardiff University focuses on developing a self-adaptive, energy-harvesting lower limb prosthesis for rehabilitation. The research addresses the limitations of current rehabilitation devices, which often provide passive assistance and can lead to patient dependency, by introducing a lightweight, intelligent prosthesis system designed for long-term, home-based rehabilitation. The system features two main innovations: an energy-harvesting mechanism for self-sustained operation and an adaptive control algorithm that encourages active muscle engagement, supporting targeted muscle activation as prescribed by physiotherapists. The project leverages OpenSim, an open-source biomechanical simulation tool, to model lower limb movements during rehabilitation tasks such as sit-to-stand. These simulations will help identify optimal phases for energy harvesting and inform the timing and magnitude of prosthesis assistance and resistance, forming the basis for a control framework that balances effective rehabilitation with energy efficiency. The adaptive algorithm will use real-time electromyography (EMG) feedback to personalize assistance, ensuring muscle activation remains at optimal levels for each user. Initial validation will be conducted with healthy participants, followed by pilot testing with patients diagnosed with knee arthritis. The project builds on an existing prototype and aims to advance the technology towards a fully intelligent, energy-autonomous rehabilitation device, contributing to the field of precision rehabilitation and supporting independent recovery in home settings. Applicants should have a strong background in Engineering or a related field, with a first-class or good 2.1 degree (or equivalent), and meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent). Full funding is available for both Home and International students, covering tuition fees and a competitive stipend. The application deadline is January 9, 2026, with interviews for shortlisted candidates. For more information, prospective applicants can contact Dr Shou-Han Zhou at Cardiff University.