James Steele PhD
Course: BSc (Hons) Applied Sport Science
I have just completed a BSc (Hons) in Applied Sport Science at Southampton Solent Univeristy where I acheieved a first class degree. I am now in the early stages of studying for a PhD at Southampton Solent University for which I am investigating the effect of resistance training for the lumbar extensor muscles on different physical symptoms associated with chronic lower back pain – specifcally range of motion, gait variablity and disc degeneration.
The BSc (Hons) Applied Sport Science course set me up with the skill set I needed to pursue a research qualification. I learned a number of skills involved with study design during my undergraduate dissertation and was able to demonstrate this through presenting my research at the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science’s student conferences in both 2009 and 2010.
As well as learning about how to design research in order to answer specific questions, I also obtained a great deal of applied experience whilst working with syptomatic patients and also a range of high level athletes including ultra endurance Ironman Triathletes, AFC Bournemouth, and members of both the Paralympic GB wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby teams.
The research I am conducting for my PhD potentially presents great practical application in that it may alleviate the economic burden of chronic low back pain through reducing the need for other costly approaches to treament.
My hope is to gain lecturing experience whilst undertaking my PhD and upon completion to find an academic position in the area of exercise physiology.