Post-stroke fatigue has significant implications for morbidity, disability and quality of life for stroke survivors. It is persistent over time with significant consequences for post-stroke outcome, including failure to complete daily tasks, inability to participate socially, care for others and drive. It is associated with poorer physical health, later return to work and higher risk of death. Despite the pervasiveness of this symptom, at present, there are no recognised treatments.

Over the course of the PhD, we would like the student to test a neurofeedback approach that we expect to improve sustained attention (a core executive brain function) and fatigue in patients with post-stroke fatigue symptoms. The project combines a psychological approach mapping changes in EEG alpha rhythms and their effects on a sustained attention performance measure, using a neurofeedback clinical therapy technique. The student would also measure the impact of this neurofeedback manipulation on a subjective fatigue measure and may want to investigate other impact such as on sleep or memory performance. The overarching aim would be the testing of a new interdisciplinary methodological approach that may evolve into a therapeutic avenue for tackling post-stroke fatigue.

For details of this project with Dr Monika Harvey, Prof Keith Muir, Prof Gregor Thut and Dr Gemma Learmonth at the University of Glasgow, go to https://www.sgsss.ac.uk/studentship/post-stroke-fatigue/

The deadline for application is 9 April 2020