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

627 works between 1996 and 2025
All (627) Journal Article (407) Book Chapter (9) Conference Publication (209) Book (1) Other Outputs (1)

621 - 627 of 627 works

1997

Journal Article

Myosin phenotype and bioenergetic characteristics of rat respiratory muscles

Powers, S. K., Demirel, H. A., Coombes, J. S., Fletcher, L., Calliaud, C., Vrabas, I. and Prezant, D. (1997). Myosin phenotype and bioenergetic characteristics of rat respiratory muscles. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29 (12), 1573-1579. doi: 10.1097/00005768-199712000-00005

Myosin phenotype and bioenergetic characteristics of rat respiratory muscles

1997

Journal Article

Exercise training-induced changes in respiratory muscles

Powers, S. K., Coombes, J. and Demirel, H. (1997). Exercise training-induced changes in respiratory muscles. Sports Medicine, 24 (2), 120-131. doi: 10.2165/00007256-199724020-00004

Exercise training-induced changes in respiratory muscles

1997

Journal Article

Bioenergetic characteristics of the costal and crural diaphragm in mammals

Hodge, Kelly, Powers, Scott K., Coombes, Jeff, Fletcher, Louise, Demirel, Haydar A., Dodd, Stephen L. and Martin, Daniel (1997). Bioenergetic characteristics of the costal and crural diaphragm in mammals. Respiration Physiology, 109 (2), 149-154. doi: 10.1016/S0034-5687(97)00051-0

Bioenergetic characteristics of the costal and crural diaphragm in mammals

1997

Conference Publication

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

Powers, S. K., Demirel, H. A., Vincent, H., Coombes, J. S., Naito, H. and Jessup, J. (1997). Exercise training improves myocardial tolerance to moderate duration ischemia-reperfusion in the rat. Annual Meeting of the Professional Research Scientists on Experimental Biology, New Orleans, LA United States, 6-9 April 1997. Bethesda, MD, United States: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.

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

1997

Conference Publication

The effects of vitamin E and lipoic acid supplementation on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat

Coombes, J. S., Powers, S. K., Demirel, H., Jessup, J., Vincent, H. K., Shireman, R., Sen, C. K., Packer, L. and Ji, L. L. (1997). The effects of vitamin E and lipoic acid supplementation on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat. Annual Meeting of the Professional Research Scientists on Experimental Biology, New Orleans, LA United States, 6-9 April 1997. Bethesda, MD, United States: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.

The effects of vitamin E and lipoic acid supplementation on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat

1996

Journal Article

A comparison of maximal bioenergetic enzyme activities obtained with commonly used homogenization techniques

Grace, M., Fletcher, L., Powers, S. K., Hughes, M. and Coombes, J. (1996). A comparison of maximal bioenergetic enzyme activities obtained with commonly used homogenization techniques. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 36 (4), 281-286.

A comparison of maximal bioenergetic enzyme activities obtained with commonly used homogenization techniques

1996

Journal Article

Effects of aging and obesity on respiratory muscle phenotype in Zucker rats

Powers, S. K., Farkas, G. A., Demirel, H., Coombes, J., Fletcher, L., Hughes, M. G., Hodge, K., Dodd, S. L. and Schlenker, E. H. (1996). Effects of aging and obesity on respiratory muscle phenotype in Zucker rats. Journal of Applied Physiology, 81 (3), 1347-1354. doi: 10.1152/jappl.1996.81.3.1347

Effects of aging and obesity on respiratory muscle phenotype in Zucker rats

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

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 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

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

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Shelley Keating

  • 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

  • Master Philosophy

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

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Graeme Macdonald

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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