Professor Jeff Coombes
Professor

Jeff Coombes

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 56767

Background

Jeff Coombes is a Professor in the School of Human Movement Studies. He completed undergraduate degrees in applied science and education and a research Masters at the University of Tasmania before gaining a PhD from the University of Florida. After completing his PhD he returned to Australia to spend two years in an academic position at the University of Tasmania before moving to the University of Queensland in 2000.

Jeff's research interests focus on determining the optimal exercise prescription for improving health. With theoretical backgrounds in biochemistry and physiology he conducts human studies and basic science projects. His findings have emphasised the importance of cardiorespiratory fitness for health benefits and many of his current projects are using high intensity interval to improve fitness and investigate outcomes. The basic science projects are identifying the mechanisms that explain the health benefits of exercise and include work in the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems at cellular and molecular levels. He is also a passionate advocate on the importance of fitness for health and delivers many presentations to impact on public health. His research group comprises doctors, postdoctoral fellows and PhD students and uses the extensive resources of the exercise physiology and exercise biochemistry laboratories in the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences.

Current research projects of the group include;

  • High intensity interval training in patients with chronic kidney disease
  • High intensity interval training in patients with metabolic syndrome
  • High intensity interval training in overweight and obese children and adolescents
  • Cardiorespiratory fitness and outcome in patients receiving a liver transplant
  • Multi-disciplinary lifestyle intervention in patients with chronic kidney disease
  • Exercise training in patients with diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy
  • Oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers to predict the cardiorespiratory fitness response to exercise
  • Molecular mechanisms of exercise cardioprotection: relations with oxidative stress
  • Activation of NRF2 by nutritional supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes
  • Exercise-training and skeletal muscle O-glycnacylation
  • Antioxidant supplementation in health and disease

Availability

Professor Jeff Coombes is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Clinical sciences Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences Sports science and exercise

Research interests

  • Exercise is Medicine

Search Professor Jeff Coombes’s works on UQ eSpace

621 works between 1996 and 2025
All (621) Journal Article (401) Book Chapter (9) Conference Publication (209) Book (1) Other Outputs (1)

581 - 600 of 621 works

2002

Conference Publication

Prolonged exposure to automotive pollution increases the susceptibility of plasma to oxidation

Sharman, J. E., Coombes, J. S., Geraghty, D. P. and Fraser, D. I. (2002). Prolonged exposure to automotive pollution increases the susceptibility of plasma to oxidation. XIV World Congress of Cardiology, Sydney, 5-9 May, 2002. Bethesda, MD: Elsevier.

Prolonged exposure to automotive pollution increases the susceptibility of plasma to oxidation

2002

Journal Article

Exposure to automotive pollution increases plasma susceptibility to oxidation

Sharman, James E., Coombes, Jeff S., Geraghty, Dominic P. and Fraser, David I. (2002). Exposure to automotive pollution increases plasma susceptibility to oxidation. Archives of Environmental Health, 57 (6), 536-540. doi: 10.1080/00039890209602085

Exposure to automotive pollution increases plasma susceptibility to oxidation

2002

Conference Publication

Relationships between plasma homocysteine and cardiorespiratory fitness, plasma cholesterol and body composition

Coombes, J. S., Fraser, D. I. and Sharman, J. E. (2002). Relationships between plasma homocysteine and cardiorespiratory fitness, plasma cholesterol and body composition. St Louis, MI, 29 May - 1 June, 2002. Indianapolis, IN: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.

Relationships between plasma homocysteine and cardiorespiratory fitness, plasma cholesterol and body composition

2002

Journal Article

Interval training program optimization in highly trained endurance cyclists

Laursen, Paul B., Shing, Cecilia M., Peake, Jonathan M., Coombes, Jeff S. and Jenkins, David G. (2002). Interval training program optimization in highly trained endurance cyclists. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34 (11), 1801-1807. doi: 10.1097/00005768-200211000-00017

Interval training program optimization in highly trained endurance cyclists

2002

Conference Publication

Acute exposure to cyclosprine A does not increase plasma homocysteine in rats

Austen, S., Coombes, J. S., Fletcher, L. A., Fassett, R. and Booth, C. (2002). Acute exposure to cyclosprine A does not increase plasma homocysteine in rats. Sydney, 5-9 May, 2002. Bethesda, MD: Elsevier.

Acute exposure to cyclosprine A does not increase plasma homocysteine in rats

2002

Conference Publication

Folate supplementation fails to effect endothelial function in renal transplant patients

Austen, S.K., Fassett, R.G., Coombes, J.S., Hay, M. and DeWhyte, R. (2002). Folate supplementation fails to effect endothelial function in renal transplant patients. American Society of Nephrology Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, 30 October - 4 November, 2002. Washington, D.C.: American Society of Nephrology.

Folate supplementation fails to effect endothelial function in renal transplant patients

2001

Journal Article

Antioxidants, exercise and Australian and New Zealand cardiologists [3]

Coombes, J. S. and Gore, P. (2001). Antioxidants, exercise and Australian and New Zealand cardiologists [3]. Internal Medicine Journal, 31 (8), 506-507.

Antioxidants, exercise and Australian and New Zealand cardiologists [3]

2001

Journal Article

Short-term exercise improves myocardial tolerance to in vivo ischemia-reperfusion in the rat

Demirel, Haydar A., Powers, Scott K., Zergeroglu, Murat A., Shanely, R. Andrew, Hamilton, Karyn, Coombes, Jeff and Naito, Hisashi (2001). Short-term exercise improves myocardial tolerance to in vivo ischemia-reperfusion in the rat. Journal of Applied Physiology, 91 (5), 2205-2212.

Short-term exercise improves myocardial tolerance to in vivo ischemia-reperfusion in the rat

2001

Journal Article

Antioxidants, exercise and Australian and New Zealand cardiologists

Coombes, J. S. and Gore, P. (2001). Antioxidants, exercise and Australian and New Zealand cardiologists. Internal Medicine Journal, 31 (8), 503-504. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2001.00126.x

Antioxidants, exercise and Australian and New Zealand cardiologists

2001

Conference Publication

Dose effects of oral bovine colostrum supplementation on physical work capacity in cyclists

Austen, S., Coombes, J. S., Conacher, M. and Marshall, P.A. (2001). Dose effects of oral bovine colostrum supplementation on physical work capacity in cyclists. Sports Medicine in the New Millennium, Coolum, 23-25 March, 2001. St Lucia: Sports Medicine Australia (Queensland Branch).

Dose effects of oral bovine colostrum supplementation on physical work capacity in cyclists

2001

Conference Publication

Optimising high intensity treadmill raining using vVO2max and Tmax

Coombes, J. S., Smith, T. P., Dilger, T.P., Penney, G. and Davoren, B. (2001). Optimising high intensity treadmill raining using vVO2max and Tmax. American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MA, 30 May - 2 June, 2001. Hagertown, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Optimising high intensity treadmill raining using vVO2max and Tmax

2001

Journal Article

Effects of vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid on skeletal muscle contractile properties

Coombes, JS, Powers, SK, Rowell, B, Hamilton, KL, Dodd, SL, Shanely, RA, Sen, CK and Packer, L (2001). Effects of vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid on skeletal muscle contractile properties. Journal of Applied Physiology, 90 (4), 1424-1430.

Effects of vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid on skeletal muscle contractile properties

2001

Conference Publication

Antioxidants and exercise

Coombes, J. S. (2001). Antioxidants and exercise. 2001 Queensland State Conference Sports Medicine in the New Millennium, Coolum, Queensland, Australia, 23-25 March, 2001. St Lucia, Brisbane, Qld: Sports Medicine Australia (Queensland Branch).

Antioxidants and exercise

2001

Conference Publication

The influence of short-term high intensity interval training on endurance performance in highly trained endurance athletes

Laursen, P. B., Shing, C., Peake, J. M., Coombes, J. S. and Jenkins, D. G. (2001). The influence of short-term high intensity interval training on endurance performance in highly trained endurance athletes. 2001 Queensland State Conference Sports Medicine in the New Millennium, Coolum, 23-25 March, 2001. St Lucia: Sports Medicine Australia (Queensland Branch).

The influence of short-term high intensity interval training on endurance performance in highly trained endurance athletes

2000

Journal Article

Effects of branched-chain amino acid supplementation on serum creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase after prolonged exercise

Coombes, J.S. and McNaughton, L.R. (2000). Effects of branched-chain amino acid supplementation on serum creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase after prolonged exercise. Journal of Sports Medicine And Physical Fitness, 40 (3), 240-246.

Effects of branched-chain amino acid supplementation on serum creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase after prolonged exercise

2000

Journal Article

Effect of combined supplementation with vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid on myocardial performance during in vivo ischaemia-reperfusion

Coombes, J.S., Powers, S.K., Demirel, H.A., Jessup, J., Vincent, H.K., Hamilton, K.L., Naito, H., Shanely, R.A., Sen, C.K., Packer, L. and Ji, L.L. (2000). Effect of combined supplementation with vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid on myocardial performance during in vivo ischaemia-reperfusion. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica, 169 (4), 261-269. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-201x.2000.00740.x

Effect of combined supplementation with vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid on myocardial performance during in vivo ischaemia-reperfusion

2000

Journal Article

Glucocorticoid-induced alterations in the rate of diaphragmatic fatigue

Fletcher, Louise, Powers, Scott K., Coombes, Jeff S., Demirel, Haydar, Vincent, Heather, Dodd, Stephen L. and McLaughlin, James (2000). Glucocorticoid-induced alterations in the rate of diaphragmatic fatigue. Pharmacological Research, 42 (1), 61-68. doi: 10.1006/phrs.1999.0658

Glucocorticoid-induced alterations in the rate of diaphragmatic fatigue

2000

Conference Publication

Dose effects of oral bovine colostrum supplementation on physical work capacity in cyclists

Coombes, J. S., Conacher, M., Austen, S. and Marshall, P. A. (2000). Dose effects of oral bovine colostrum supplementation on physical work capacity in cyclists. International Congress on Sport Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Education, Brisbane, 7-12 September 2000. Belconnen, ACT: Sports Medicine Australia.

Dose effects of oral bovine colostrum supplementation on physical work capacity in cyclists

2000

Journal Article

The effectiveness of commercially available sports drinks

Coombes, Jeff .S. and Hamilton, Karyn L. (2000). The effectiveness of commercially available sports drinks. Sports Medicine, 29 (3), 181-209. doi: 10.2165/00007256-200029030-00004

The effectiveness of commercially available sports drinks

2000

Conference Publication

Short term exercise and induction of myocardial stress proteins

Hamilton, K. L., Powers, S. K., Sugiura, T., Ferguson, M., Shanely, R. A. and Coombes, J. S. (2000). Short term exercise and induction of myocardial stress proteins. American College of Sports Medicine 47th Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, USA, 28 May - 2 June, 2000. Maryland: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Short term exercise and induction of myocardial stress proteins

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2028
    Effectiveness of a Healthy Lifestyle and Resilience Program in New-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis
    NHMRC MRFF Clinician Researchers Applied Research in Health
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2025
    Feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of the Physical Activity Intelligence (PAI) e-health program for cardiac patients from the Defence community
    Defence Health Foundation Grants for Medical Research
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2027
    Structured exercise program to reduce fatigue in patients receiving dialysis: a preference-stratified adaptive trial (M-FIT) (MRFF RCRDUN led by University of Sydney)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2025
    Optimising Exercise Prescription and Delivery in Congenital Heart Disease - The Congenital Heart Fitness Intervention Trial: CH-FIT (MRFF Congenital Heart grant administered by University of Sydney)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2025
    High intensity exercise targeting insulin resistance in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: is it safe, effective and feasible in practice?
    Diabetes Australia Research Program
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2023
    Enhancing the value of virtual care services through improving staff & patient digital health literacy for the management of complex chronic conditions (Metro South Research Support Scheme led by MS)
    Metro South Research Support Scheme Co-funded Collaboration Grant
    Open grant
  • 2022
    Wellbeing and Healthy Lifestyle Program for People with Rheumatoid Arthritis (Arthritis Australia Project Grant led by Griffith University)
    Griffith University
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on human gut microbiome functional diversity, inflammation and body composition in colorectal cancer survivors
    University of Newcastle
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2023
    Sarcoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial functional interactions in muscle
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2024
    Centre for Research Excellence in Digestive Health (NHMRC CRE administered by University of Newcastle)
    University of Newcastle
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2021
    Utilising health technologies to deliver lifestyle intervention from a specialist centre to the homes of people with complex chronic conditions
    Queensland Health
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2024
    Intense exercise for survival among men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (INTERVAL-MCRPC)
    Movember Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of the Physical Activity Index (PAI) e-health Program in Type 2 Diabetes
    Diabetes Australia Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Targeting neuromuscular stability in motor neuron disease
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Metabolic exploration in neurodegenerative disease (MEND): synergy between derangements in systemic and muscle metabolism in MND
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2020
    BRAIN Training Trial: Balance, Resistance, or INterval Training Trial: A Randomised Controlled Trial of Three Exercise Modalities in Mild Cognitive Impairment (NHMRC Project Grant admin by Uni Sydney)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2024
    Intense exercise for survival among men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (INTERVAL - MCRPC): A Multicentre, Randomized, Controlled Phase III Study
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Resistive Breathing and Respiratory Muscle Induced Oxidative Stress (Internal Grant administered by University of Southern Queensland)
    University of Southern Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Feasibility, Safety, Adherence and Efficacy of High Intensity Interval Training in Hospital-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation
    Wesley Medical Research Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2020
    Enhancing Language Learning in Ageing With Exercise
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Predicting the Variability of Response to High Intensity Interval Training (Collaborative Research Network for Advancing Exercise and Sports Science Research Project)
    Bond University
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    The Effect of External Counterpulsation Therapy on Acute Recovery and Longitudinal Adaptation in Elite Australian Rugby League Players
    Renew Group Private Limited
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2021
    High intensity exercise for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis - is it safe, effective, and feasible in practice? (Tom Penrose Community Service Grant)
    Exercise and Sports Science Australia Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Effects of exercise intensity on myocardial and arterial function, and intra-abdominal fat in obese children and adolescents
    Wesley Merdical Research
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Comparing the Acute Effects of Pre- and Post-Exercise Hot Water Immersion on Recovery and Performance'
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Assessing the effectiveness of High Intensity Interval Training for smoking cessation in women
    National Heart Foundation Vanguard Grant
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2019
    IL-22 as a Suppressor of Pancreatic Beta-Cell Stress and a Treatment for Diabetes
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2020
    Chronic Kidney Disease Centre of Research Excellence
    NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2019
    Energy Balance in METEx
    Research Donation Generic
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Effects of exercise intensity on oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes
    Norwegian University of Science and Technology
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Cellular metabolic respirometry and enzymatic assessment suite
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    Effects of high intensity interval training on exercise capacity, mitochondrial function and muscle atrophy in patients with chronic kidney disease
    Kidney Health Australia
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    QAS Research Fellowship
    Queensland Academy of Sport
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    Biomarkers of Chronic Kidney Disease and its Progression in Northern Tasmanians
    University of Tasmania
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Clinical and Nutritional Biomarker Platform
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Travel grant for Ms Erin Howden to attend the American Society of Nephrology, Philadelphia, USA from 08 - 14/11/2011
    National Heart Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2014
    Collaborative Research Network Edith Cowan University: Growing research excellence at Edith Cowan University through partnership and engagement
    Edith Cowan University
    Open grant
  • 2011
    A metabolic testing suite for clinical exercise physiology, sports science and sports nutrition research
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2010
    An ultrasound imaging suite for investigating musculoskeletal and cardiovascular function in health and disease
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2013
    Enhancing erythropoietin therapy in ischaemia-reperfusion injury of heart and kidney
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    Curriculum renewal in exercise science
    ALTC Priority Projects
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Mass spectrometer for HMS laboratory
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Exertional dyspnoea with increased filling pressure - Mechanisms and treatment strategies
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2005
    Contribution of Blood Viscosity to Large Artery and Myocardial Function
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2005
    Molecular Mechanisms of Exercise Cardioprotection
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2005
    Boomerang Gym - Full study testing
    Alma International Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2004
    The impact of immune suppression and local inflammation on heat tolerance in rats
    DSO National Laboratories
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    Efficacy and Mechanisms of Exercise Training in Diastolic Heart Failure
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2004
    Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity and the effect of dichloroacetate infusion on walking performance in peripheral arterial disease patients
    Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2006
    The Intact Supplementation Study: the effect of oral bovine colostrum supplementation on changes in physical work capacity and immunological parameters in athletes following high intensity training
    Numico Research Australia
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2007
    Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Cardiovascular Disease and Metabolic Disorders
    NHMRC Research Centre Grant
    Open grant
  • 2003
    Pulse Wave Velocity Machine and Automated Tonometer for Measuring Arterial Stiffness
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2003
    Effects of individual or combined administration of alpha lipoic-acid and vitamin E on oxidaive stress and arterial stiffness in hypercholesterolemic individuals
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2002
    Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity and the effect of dichloroacetate infusion on walking performance in peripheral arterial disease patients
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2002
    Mechanism of improvement of myocardial ischemia with aggressive lipid lowering
    Mayne Bequest Fund
    Open grant
  • 2001
    Exercise and Myocardial Apoptosis
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant
  • 2001
    Effects of exercise training and antioxidant supplementation on oxidised low density lipoprotein induced endothelial cell apoptosis.
    University of Queensland Small Grants Scheme
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Jeff Coombes is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exercise and Anti-Obesity Medications

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Riley Brown, Dr Shelley Keating

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exercise training on people with severe chronic, clinically unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms: A randomised, controlled trial.

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Gerald Holtmann

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exercise Training in People with Mild Cognitive Impairment

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Shelley Keating

  • Master Philosophy

    Structured exercise program to reduce fatigue in patients receiving dialysis: an adaptive trial (M-FIT)

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exercise Training and Body Composition in Children and Adolescents with Congenital Heart Disease

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Shelley Keating

  • Master Philosophy

    Assessment of muscle mass hepatic function and outcomes in patients awaiting liver transplantation

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Graeme Macdonald

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exercise training for cerebrovascular health in perimenopausal women

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Jenna Taylor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The Design, Establishment and Effectiveness of a Rehabilitation Pathway for Individuals with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Jenna Taylor

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Jeff Coombes directly for media enquiries about:

  • Antioxidants
  • Apoptosis
  • Athletes - performance
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Fitness
  • Health
  • Heart attack
  • Nutrition - sport
  • Oxidative stress
  • Sport nutrition
  • Sport performance

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