PhD Studentship: ACCESS4ALL An AI-informed Rehabilitation Model for Working Adults with Multiple Long-Term Conditions

Manchester Metropolitan University

This PhD studentship aims to transform how exercise rehabilitation is delivered for working-age adults living with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs). Partnering with Chiron AI, an NHS-compliant digital health company, the research project will develop and evaluate an AI enabled rehabilitation model that identifies individual needs and connects patients to the most appropriate exercise and support pathways across community and healthcare settings.

Working with key stakeholders across Greater Manchester, including the Strategic Clinical Network of Greater Manchester and Eastern Cheshire, the project will analyse regional health and activity datasets to inform inclusive, scalable models of care. The research will explore how AI-informed systems can improve access, engagement, and long-term outcomes, influencing both local practice and national policy.

Project aims and objectives

The projects aim is to implement and evaluate AI-informed, scalable, integrated rehab for working-age adults with multiple long-term conditions across GM; and develop a framework to support national roll-out. Specific research questions include:

• How can multi-source health and activity datasets be leveraged to evaluate the AI-enabled rehabilitation platform that enhances the accessibility, inclusivity, and person-centred nature of rehabilitation services?
• How does the implementation of such an integrated system compare with existing rehabilitation models in terms of uptake, healthcare resource utilisation, and patient outcomes, and what factors influence its long-term scalability and sustainability?
• Does the app influence behaviour and determine sustainable healthy long-term behaviours and improve cardiorespiratory function?

Funding

Both Home and International students can apply. Only home tuition fees will be covered for the duration of the 3.5-year award, which is £5,006 for the year 2025/26. Eligible international students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding (Band 2 for the year 2025/26).

The student will receive a standard stipend payment for the duration of the award. These payments are set at a level determined by the UKRI, currently £20,780 for the academic year 2025/26.

Specific requirements of the candidate

Essential:

• First or upper second class BSc honours degree in a relevant degree such as sport and exercise science, human physiology, data science
• Experience of working with patients with long-term health conditions
• Proficient in Microsoft office, specifically Microsoft excel
• Experience in working with digital health technologies

Desirable:

• MSc in clinical exercise physiology (or other relevant discipline)
• Evidence of engagement in research activities (e.g., managing a research project, publishing journal articles, conference presentations)
• Experience of using statistical and/or analytical software packages
• Experience of coding

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Dr Amy Harwood for an informal discussion.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full time PhD in Sports & Exercise Science

Please complete the Doctoral Project Applicant Form, and include your CV and a covering letter to demonstrate how your skills and experience map to the aims and objectives of the project, the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest.

Please upload these documents in the supporting documents section of the University’s Admissions Portal.

Expected start date: October 2026