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Professor Jeff Coombes
Professor

Jeff Coombes

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 56767

Overview

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

Research interests

  • Exercise is Medicine

Works

Search Professor Jeff Coombes’s works on UQ eSpace

627 works between 1996 and 2025

601 - 620 of 627 works

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

Effects of a vitamin E coated dialyzer membrane on lipid peroxidation and dialysis adequacy

Fassett, R., Coombes, J. S., Mace, R., Doyle, M. and Leichtweiss, S. (2000). Effects of a vitamin E coated dialyzer membrane on lipid peroxidation and dialysis adequacy. American Society of Nephrology Renal Week 2000, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 11-16 Octobe,r 2000. Gainesville, Fl: American Society of Nephrology.

Effects of a vitamin E coated dialyzer membrane on lipid peroxidation and dialysis adequacy

2000

Conference Publication

Optimising high intensity treadmill training using VO2max and Tmax

Smith, T. P. and Coombes, J. S. (2000). Optimising high intensity treadmill training using VO2max and Tmax. International Congress on Sport Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Education, Brisbane, 7-12 September 2000. Belconnen, ACT: Sports Medicine Australia.

Optimising high intensity treadmill training using VO2max and Tmax

2000

Journal Article

Improved cardiac performance after ischemia in aged rats supplemented with vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid

Coombes, J. S., Powers, S. K., Hamilton, K. L., Demirel, HA, Shanely, R. A., Zergeroglu, MA, Sen, C. K., Packer, L. and Ji, L. L. (2000). Improved cardiac performance after ischemia in aged rats supplemented with vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid. American Journal of Physiology-regulatory Integrative And Comparative Physiology, 279 (6), R2149-R2155. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.2000.279.6.r2149

Improved cardiac performance after ischemia in aged rats supplemented with vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid

2000

Conference Publication

Mechanical ventilation induced diaphragmatic atrophy

Shanely, R. A., Powers, S. K., Coombes, J. S., Furguson, M., Smith, W., Demeriel, H., Zergeroglu, M., Hamilton, K. L. and Cicale, M. (2000). Mechanical ventilation induced diaphragmatic atrophy. -, -, -. Bethesda, MD, United States: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.

Mechanical ventilation induced diaphragmatic atrophy

2000

Conference Publication

Decreased plasma oxidation in renal transplant patients supplemented with antioxidants

Coombes, J. S., Fassett, R., Doyle, M., Mace, R. and Leichtweiss, S. (2000). Decreased plasma oxidation in renal transplant patients supplemented with antioxidants. American Society of Nephrology Renal Week 2000, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 11-16 October 2000. Gainesville, Fl: American Society of Nephrology.

Decreased plasma oxidation in renal transplant patients supplemented with antioxidants

2000

Journal Article

Vitamin E deficiency fails to affect myocardial performance during in vivo ischemia-reperfusion

Coombes, J. S., Powers, S. K., Demirel, H. A., Hamilton, K. L., Jessup, J., Vincent, H. K. and Shanely, R. A. (2000). Vitamin E deficiency fails to affect myocardial performance during in vivo ischemia-reperfusion. International Journal of Vitamin Nutrient Research, 70 (6), 293-300. doi: 10.1024/0300-9831.70.6.293

Vitamin E deficiency fails to affect myocardial performance during in vivo ischemia-reperfusion

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

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

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

1999

Journal Article

Endurance training reduces the rate of diaphragm fatigue in vitro

Vrabas, I. S., Dodd, S. L., Powers, S. K., Hughes, M., Coombes, J., Fletcher, L., Demirel, H. and Reid, M. B. (1999). Endurance training reduces the rate of diaphragm fatigue in vitro. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31 (11), 1605-1612. doi: 10.1097/00005768-199911000-00017

Endurance training reduces the rate of diaphragm fatigue in vitro

1999

Journal Article

Exercise-induced alterations in skeletal muscle myosin heavy chain phenotype: dose-response relationship

Demirel, Haydar A., Powers, Scott K., Naito, Hisashi, Hughes, Michael and Coombes, Jeff S. (1999). Exercise-induced alterations in skeletal muscle myosin heavy chain phenotype: dose-response relationship. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 86 (3), 1002-1008.

Exercise-induced alterations in skeletal muscle myosin heavy chain phenotype: dose-response relationship

1999

Journal Article

Exercise training protects against contraction-induced lipid peroxidation in the diaphragm

Vincent, Heather K., Powers, Scott K., Demirel, Haydar A., Coombes, Jeff S. and Naito, Hisashi (1999). Exercise training protects against contraction-induced lipid peroxidation in the diaphragm. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 79 (3), 268-273. doi: 10.1007/s004210050505

Exercise training protects against contraction-induced lipid peroxidation in the diaphragm

1998

Journal Article

Exercise training improves myocardial tolerance to in vivo ischemia-reperfusion in the rat

Powers, Scott K., Demirel, Haydar A., Vincent, Heather K., Coombes, Jeff S., Naito, Hisashi, Hamilton, Karyn L., Shanely, R. Andrew and Jessup, James (1998). Exercise training improves myocardial tolerance to in vivo ischemia-reperfusion in the rat. American Journal of Physiology, 275 (5), R1468-R1477.

Exercise training improves myocardial tolerance to in vivo ischemia-reperfusion in the rat

1998

Journal Article

Exercise training reduces myocardial lipid peroxidation following short-term ischemia-reperfusion

Demirel, Haydar A., Powers, Scott K., Caillaud, Corinne, Coombes, Jeff S., Naito, Hisashi, Fletcher, Louise A., Vrabas, Iannis, Jessup, James V. and Ji, Li L. (1998). Exercise training reduces myocardial lipid peroxidation following short-term ischemia-reperfusion. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30 (8), 1211-1216. doi: 10.1097/00005768-199808000-00005

Exercise training reduces myocardial lipid peroxidation following short-term ischemia-reperfusion

1998

Conference Publication

Mechanical ventilation results in diaphragmatic contractile dysfunction

Powers, S. K., Shanely, A., Coombes, J., Ward, K., Demirel, H., Dodd, S., Webb, A., Martin, D. and Cicale, M. (1998). Mechanical ventilation results in diaphragmatic contractile dysfunction. -, -, -. Bethesda, MD, United States: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.

Mechanical ventilation results in diaphragmatic contractile dysfunction

1998

Conference Publication

Effects of vitamin E and dihydrolipoic acid on diaphragmatic contractile properties

Coombes, J. S., Ward, K. H., Shanely, R. A., Powers, S. K. and Demirel, H. A. (1998). Effects of vitamin E and dihydrolipoic acid on diaphragmatic contractile properties. -, -, -. Bethesda, MD, United States: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.

Effects of vitamin E and dihydrolipoic acid on diaphragmatic contractile properties

1998

Conference Publication

Effects of heat stress and exercise on myocardial heat shock proteins and responses to ischemia-reperfusion

Demirel, H. A., Powers, S. K., Shanly, R. A., Zergeroglu, A. M., Coombes, J. and Wards, K. (1998). Effects of heat stress and exercise on myocardial heat shock proteins and responses to ischemia-reperfusion. -, -, -. Bethesda, MD, United States: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.

Effects of heat stress and exercise on myocardial heat shock proteins and responses to ischemia-reperfusion

Funding

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
  • 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
  • 2020 - 2024
    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
  • 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

Supervision

Availability

Professor Jeff Coombes is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

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

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Shelley Keating

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exercise and Anti-Obesity Medications

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Riley Brown, Dr Shelley Keating

  • Doctor Philosophy

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

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: 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

  • 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

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

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Jenna Taylor

  • 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

Completed supervision

Media

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

Need help?

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