Project 6 Outline: Dynamic Leptin Regulation Through Dance: Insights into Wellbeing, Neuroendocrine Balance, and Cognitive Resilience

Supervisors

Dr Gayle Doherty (Psychology & Neuroscience) & Prof Paula Miles (Psychology & Neuroscience)

Project description

Dance offers a unique window into how movement can shape brain function, hormonal balance, and cognitive resilience. Unlike many forms of exercise, dance combines physical activity with cognitive challenge, emotional expression, and social interaction making it a powerful model for understanding how lifestyle influences both mental and physical health. Evidence shows that dance can improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance memory and attention. Strikingly, long-term engagement in dance has also been associated with a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

This project explores a novel biological mechanism that may help explain these benefits, focusing on the hormone leptin. While leptin is best known for its role in energy regulation, it is increasingly recognised as an important factor in brain function and neuroprotection. Leptin levels are reduced in individuals with AD, and experimental studies suggest that restoring leptin signalling can improve cognitive outcomes. Interestingly, dancers also tend to show lower leptin levels, raising an important question: rather than being simply low, could leptin in dancers be dynamically regulated in response to movement, contributing to brain health and resilience?

To investigate this, you will take part in a human-based research study working directly with dancers in a real-world setting. The project will involve collecting and integrating multiple types of data to capture both the biological and experiential effects of dance.

You will support and conduct:

  • Salivary hormone sampling to measure leptin and cortisol (a marker of stress and HPA axis activity) at key time points before, during, and after dance classes
  • Physiological monitoring using wearable devices to track heart rate and activity levels throughout sessions
  • Portable EEG recordings to assess brain activity linked to engagement and cognitive state
  • Wellbeing assessments, using short, validated questionnaires to capture changes in mood, stress, and perceived wellbeing

This multi-layered approach will allow you to explore how hormonal responses relate to physical exertion, brain activity, and subjective experience. Additional measure of cognition can also be easily built on to this approach to reflect your interests.

The project provides a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience in human neuroscience and physiological research outside of a traditional lab setting. You will develop practical skills in sample collection, data handling, and working with participants, alongside experience in analysing complex datasets that combine biological, physiological, and psychological measures.

By the end of the project, you will have contributed to an emerging area of interdisciplinary research that bridges neuroscience, health, and the performing arts. This work has the potential to inform how dance is used not only as an art form, but as a meaningful intervention to support wellbeing and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disease.

Relevant references

Doherty, G. (2021). Are some brains wired for dance? https://theconversation.com/are-some-brains-wired-for-dance-170913

Holden, M.A., et al. (2017). Physical activity and reduced risk of dementia: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open.

Doherty G, et al. (2023)Leptin-based hexamers facilitate memory and prevent amyloid-driven AMPA receptor internalisation and neuronal degeneration. J Neurochem165(6):809-826. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jnc.15733

Subject areas and keywords

Dance Science, Neuroscience, Neuroendocrinology, Psychology, Wellbeing, Alzheimer’s Disease, Leptin, Exercise Physiology

Skills & Requirements

This project is ideal for students interested in dance, movement, and the science of human performance, as well as those from neuroscience, psychology, or biomedical backgrounds.

  • You will gain hands-on experience in:
  • Working directly with dancers in a real-world setting
  • Non-invasive biological sampling (saliva collection)
  • Hormone analysis (ELISA)
  • Physiological monitoring using wearable technology
  • Portable EEG recording of brain activity
  • Collecting and analysing wellbeing data
  • Interpreting complex datasets linking body, brain, and behaviour

Prior laboratory or dance experience is advantageous but not essential, as comprehensive training and support will be provided. We particularly welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in Psychology or Biology, and value curiosity, enthusiasm, and an interest in interdisciplinary research.

Further details and application process

This project is supported by an IBANS Research Bursary of £1000 to cover research expenses. If you are planning to apply for this project, first contact the supervisors, Gayle Doherty ([email protected]) and Prof Paul Miles ([email protected]), to discuss eligibility and obtain approval. Once an agreement is reached, you can proceed to submit your formal application.

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