Optimal Exercise Prescription in Older Adults: Effect of Lighter-Weight Resistance Training on Sarcopenia-Related Outcomes

About the Project

About the project

Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, is a major contributor to morbidity and reduced quality of life in older adults. Resistance training (RT) is widely recommended to maintain muscle health, but traditional guidelines emphasise relatively heavy-weight (~80% of one-repetition maximum [1RM]). Emerging evidence suggests that lighter-weight RT (e.g., ~30% 1RM) performed close to momentary failure can produce comparable muscle growth. Importantly, recent findings from our group also suggest that lighter-load RT may induce mitochondrial adaptations typically associated with aerobic exercise, and not observed following heavier-weight RT – potentially providing a “two birds with one stone” strategy to improve both muscle mass and metabolic health. Moreover, lighter-weight RT is generally safer and more accessible for older adults. Nevertheless, its effects on sarcopenia-related outcomes in older adults remain poorly understood.

Research Aim

This project aims to determine whether lighter-weight RT represents an optimal exercise prescription for improving sarcopenia-related outcomes in older adults. This project will generate critical evidence to inform RT prescription for older adults, with implications not only for sarcopenia but also for improving metabolic health.

Expected Training and Research Environment

This project includes three work packages. In WP1, the successful student will develop a strong conceptual foundation through training in scoping and systematic review. During WP2 (lighter- vs heavier-weight RT in older adults) and WP3 (lighter-weight RT vs traditional aerobic training in older adults with overweight/obesity), the student will receive hands-on training in conducting human clinical trials, including gaining unique skillsets: non-invasive mitochondrial function test, glycaemic control assessment, muscle size measurement, muscular aerobic capacity test, and physical function test. This project will generate high-quality physiological data to support future studies on ageing and long-term conditions, as well as further mechanistic studies using human muscle biopsy.

The Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University provides state-of-the-art physiology laboratories and wet-lab facilities where most human trial training will take place. Regular seminars and research events will support academic development and engagement with broad interdisciplinary research network.

The high-performance supervisory team (Dr Changhyun Lim, Professor Emma Stevenson, and Dr Amy Vincent) will bring complementary expertise spanning human clinical trials, lifestyle intervention research, skeletal muscle physiology, sarcopenia, and metabolic health. The findings will provide practical and translatable exercise recommendations for real-world application.

Funding

Students who have, or are expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, are invited to apply. Funding is available for Home (UK) students to cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (indicative amount in year 1 in 2026-27, £21,805) and research costs, for four years. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

Funding for this studentship is awarded on a competitive basis and is not guaranteed; availability will depend on the outcome of the selection process and subject to final approval by the University.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the following application form – Google Form

Applicants can only apply for 1 project; any additional applications will not be accepted.

Applicants should send the following documents to FMSstudentships@newcastle.ac.uk:

• a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees).
• a Cover letter – stating your project choice, as well as including additional information you feel is pertinent to your application.
• copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates.
• a copy of your IELTS or TOEFL English language certificate (where required)
• a copy of your passport (photo page).

A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE

Please submit your documents in the following format only:

• each document should be submitted as a separate attachment and should be named as follows: candidate surname, candidate name – document type. For example: Jones, Jamie – CV; Jones, Jamie – cover letter.
• Please submit .pdf documents where possible for your CV, cover letter, transcripts and certificates. Do not submit photos of certificates.
• Do not combine documents into one pdf. You may zip separate documents into a zip file to send via email if required.
• When emailing your application, please use the email subject header: FMS PhD Application 2026

Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.

Informal enquiries may be made to the lead supervisor of the project you are interested in.

The deadline for all applications is 12 noon BST (UK time) on Wednesday 20th May 2026.