Enhancing motivation and engagement in exercise rehabilitation settings (Ref: SSEHS/SF-IT-1)

Globally, an estimated 2.4 billion people are currently living with a health condition that may benefit from rehabilitation. Adherence to exercise rehabilitation is essential for effective recovery from many conditions. However, engagement with rehabilitation across a range of conditions is worryingly low, resulting in significant individual, societal and financial burden. The aim of the proposed PhD project is to build on recent work at Loughborough University by applying several motivational processes to enhance rehabilitation engagement and improve important functional and psychological outcomes.

This project will be supervised by Dr Ian Taylor, a leading expert in motivation, and you will be fully supported by a research supervisory team and peers studying similar areas. You will be based within the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University, ranked best in the world for sports-related subjects nine years running and a leading institution for the study of exercise rehabilitation.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:
Ian Taylor i.m.taylor@lboro.ac.uk

Entry requirements:
Applicants must have, or expect to have, at least a 2:1 honours degree (or international equivalent) with a UK master's degree (with average programme mark of no less than 65%) or international equivalent. A background in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Sport and Exercise Science, Rehabilitation, or related discipline would be an advantage.

English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Bench fees required: No

Closing date of advert: 28th May 2026

Start date: October 2026

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3 years

Fee band: 2025/26 Band RB (UK £5,006, International £28,600)

How to apply:
All applications should be made online. Under Campus, please select Loughborough and select Programme Ph.D. Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. Please quote the advertised reference number SSEHS/SF-IT-1 in your application. To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents. The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.

Project search terms:
health psychology, sport psychology, sport therapy, rehabilitation & health

Email Enquiries:
ssehs.pgrapplications@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk