Dr Sarah Valkenborghs
Lecturer
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy (Human Physiology)
- Email:sarah.valkenborghs@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 4042 0819
A prescription for exercise
Dr Sarah Valkenborghs’ research aims to deliver the evidence needed so that everyone gets the right advice on the exercise they need to improve their health outcomes.
“When I was studying to become a medical doctor I was surprised that there was almost no discussion around the benefits of exercise and how doctors should be advising people to be active,” Sarah says. “We know it works, but there’s not much hard evidence on what’s best – so that’s when I thought ‘here’s my calling’.”
Sarah wants to provide the evidence of the physiological effects of exercise that are beneficial for our health – for people with and without disease.
In her research, Sarah collaborates widely with clinicians, public health researchers, biomedical scientists and implementation scientists – and, most importantly, with patients. Sarah’s looking at conditions as diverse as cancer, stroke and MS, and is also working with healthy subjects. “One project that I’ve been working on with Professor Dave Lubans is demonstrating the benefits of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) with HSC students. We’re trying to find the evidence needed to get policy change so HSC students do 10 minutes of HIIT during the day at school.”
Will it help with stress? Will it improve brain function and plasticity? That’s where Sarah’s work comes in. She’s looking for changes that show what’s happening in these young, fit brains that are still capable of developing. It’s an exciting project.
“I came to Australia to do a PhD and become a lecturer, and teaching is a very important part of what I do,” Sarah says. “My teaching gives me a strong foundation in the physiology of a range of different clinical conditions, while my research keeps me up-to-date and informs my teaching content. They really go hand-in-hand for me.”
A lecturer at the University, Sarah’s passion for teaching is evident, and has been acknowledged with her short-listing for a Teaching Excellence Award. “Teaching is something I really pride myself on, so this means so much to me.” And that excellence permeates everything she does.
As a physiologist, Sarah uses high-tech equipment such as multi-modal MRI (Magnetic Resonating Imaging), DeXa scanning and VO2max testing to precisely pinpoint exactly what exercise does for our bodies. She’s particularly interested in the benefits for our brain – exploring changes in structure, function and metabolism due to exercise.
“For me, MRI is integral to the wide variety of work that I do. The beauty of MRI is that it’s not invasive,” Sarah says. “For a clinical population it’s an easy process – you just have to lie there and the machinery tells us what we need to know. For many of the patients we work with, it’s probably one of the easiest appointments they have.”
Sarah is working to understand how exercise changes things at a basic molecular level. “We have a research question and hypothesis and then we identify the areas of the brain we’d like examined. The MRI operator captures the information, then I examine the data.”
“What we’re trying to demonstrate through looking at the physiological effects of exercise, is how it is beneficial in a range of conditions.”
Movement is the best prescription
Just about every cohort that Sarah is dealing with has had something catastrophic happen to their body; whether it’s sudden like a stroke or a degenerative condition like MS. Sarah says that with all the people she’s worked with, exercise can help them take some control of their situation again. “I think agency over your body is important as it gives you a sense of autonomy,” Sarah says. “When you have a chronic health condition you often feel as though you have no control over your situation. But doing some simple exercise empowers people and gives them a sense of purpose.”
This is something that Sarah’s seen over and over at Newcastle’s Kaden Centre, a purpose-built exercise facility for people with cancer and other chronic conditions. Working with the Kaden Centre team and a range of health researchers, Sarah is aiming to deliver the scientific evidence that backs up what the Kaden Centre team see happening with their clients.
Sarah believes that there should be an individual approach to developing an exercise program to aid people with cancer. “We’ve done some preliminary research into this area, and it’s exciting to note that exercise seems to have proven benefits for people going through cancer treatments,” Sarah says. “And there’s also growing evidence of the importance of ‘pre-habilitation’ to prepare people’s bodies for what’s ahead.”
Sarah is also working alongside clinicians such as Dr Craig Gedye. “One thing we’re looking at is whether exercising while receiving treatment will deliver more blood, and potentially more drug, to the actual tumour in real time.”
Different conditions, similar physiologies
Sarah is also working with Dr Vicki Maltby on how lifestyle interventions may improve fatigue in people living with MS. This work builds on Sarah’s PhD work in stroke where they discovered that fatigue was the one thing that varied widely between the control group and the exercise group.
“With MS, one of the things that people don’t understand at a physiological level is why they’re so tired,” Sarah explains. “Mindfulness and Pilates seem to help, but nobody really knows why. So that’s why we’re doing an MRI spectroscopy study to see if there’s any shift in a person’s brain metabolism with these activities.”
The most important aspect of a research clinical trial is participants. Sarah has found that no matter what condition people are living with, all are happy to contribute to future knowledge. “They are happy to get involved in research because more and more people are seeing that exercise is important and they’re often frustrated that nobody has told them how or why they could or should be exercising.”
In fact, for many, they’re told the exact opposite – to go home and rest.
However, where the real challenge lies is that many people with a clinical condition, also have (at least) another. These co-morbidities make things extra challenging. “What you’re trying to do is juggle maybe two or three conditions at the same time and find the happy medium of an exercise that treats one and doesn’t exacerbate the other, or treats both at the same time.”
“Physiology is complex,” Sarah admits. “There are so many ways that things can impact on the body, then you layer on comorbidities and the pharmacological effects of medications on top of exercise… That’s why it’s such a niche area. There’s so much happening.”
“It’s total systems physiology, you can’t just think of one organ system at one time,” Sarah says. “That’s why this work keeps me on my toes. It keeps me interested.”
“But we know that exercise is beneficial for the vast majority of people, we just need the evidence to back it up,” Sarah says. “My research is trying to find the right type and dose of exercise for each individual depending on their condition(s).”
A prescription for exercise
Dr Sarah Valkenborghs’ research aims to deliver the evidence needed so that everyone gets the right advice on the exercise they need to improve their health outcomes.
Career Summary
Biography
Dr Sarah Valkenborghs is a physiologist who is using tools such as MRI to demonstrate the effects of exercise on our health and wellbeing. Working alongside clinicians, public health researchers and patients, Sarah aims to provide the rigorous evidence needed to see exercise prescribed by health professionals for a range of conditions.
She is exploring exercise-induced changes to our bodies, and our brains, that occur in both healthy and clinical populations. Dr Valkenborghs would love to see exercise prescription and physical activity screening become routine clinical practice so people can incorporate movement into their lives safely and beneficially.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy in Human Physiology, University of Newcastle
Keywords
- Asthma
- Behavioural Neuroscience
- Brain Health
- Cognition
- Exercise Physiology
- Human Physiology
- Mental Health
- Neuroplasticity
- Physical Activity
- Stroke
Languages
- English (Mother)
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
---|---|---|
520101 | Child and adolescent development | 10 |
520206 | Psychophysiology | 30 |
320899 | Medical physiology not elsewhere classified | 20 |
320222 | Radiology and organ imaging | 10 |
420702 | Exercise physiology | 30 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|
Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy Australia |
Academic appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
1/1/2019 - 31/12/2022 | Associate Lecturer | School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmcy, The University of Newcastle Australia |
Awards
Award
Year | Award |
---|---|
2023 |
Early Career Research Excellence Award Office of the Vice-Chancellor, The University of Newcastle |
2023 |
Leadership Excellence Award Office of the Vice-Chancellor, The University of Newcastle |
2023 |
Excellence for Research Engagement and Translation Award College of Human and Social Futures | University of Newcastle |
2022 |
Early Career Teaching Excellence Award College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle |
2022 |
Best Poster in Physical Activity and Health Promotion Award Sports Medicine Australia |
2022 |
Best Paper in Physical Activity and Health Promotion Award Sports Medicine Australia |
2021 |
Best Paper in Physical Activity and Health Promotion Award Sports Medicine Australia |
2021 |
Asics Medal for the Best Overall Paper Award Sports Medicine Australia |
2020 |
Paper of the Year for Exercise Science Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition - The University of Newcastle |
2019 |
Wiley: Physiotherapy Research International Top 20 Downloaded Article 2017-2018 Wiley Online Library |
2019 |
Paper of the Year for Exercise Science Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition - The University of Newcastle |
2019 |
Paper of the Year for Physical Activity in Schools Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition - The University of Newcastle |
2018 |
PhD student Research Innovation and Impact Award Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition - The University of Newcastle |
Nomination
Year | Award |
---|---|
2023 |
Finalist: HMRI Foundation Research Team Excellence Award Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) |
2023 |
Finalist: Early Career Researcher Award Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity (ASPA) |
2022 |
Finalist: Asics Medal for the Best Overall Paper Award Sports Medicine Australia |
2020 |
Finalist: Excellence in Teaching Award Office of the Vice-Chancellor, The University of Newcastle |
Invitations
Interviewee
Year | Title / Rationale |
---|---|
2021 |
Snakes and ECGs all in a day's work - ABC Radio Newcastle https://www.abc.net.au/radio/newcastle/programs/breakfast/uni-lecturing-online/13497698 |
2019 | What does exercise actually do for you? - ABC Radio Newcastle |
Speaker
Year | Title / Rationale |
---|---|
2020 | Exercise after stroke: just because you can’t walk, doesn’t mean you can't walk the walk! –– The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health |
2020 | Exercise after Stroke – Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) CPD Seminar |
2018 | Doing the legwork for arm and hand recovery - A Stroke in Time - Pint of Science, Newcastle |
2018 | Spotlight on Stroke: Hacks for Exercising after Stroke, even when it's really hard - HMRI Community Forum |
Teaching
Code | Course | Role | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
HUBS2503 |
Clinical Exercise Physiology The University of Newcastle |
Tutor | 1/2/2016 - 31/12/2021 |
HUBS3204 |
Biomedical Research Integrated Learning School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmcy, The University of Newcastle |
Assistant Lecturer | 22/2/2021 - 31/12/2023 |
HUBS3510 |
Sports Science 4 School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle |
Course Coordinator | 1/1/2020 - 31/12/2024 |
HUBS2507 |
Integrative Physiology The University of Newcastle |
Tutor | 18/7/2016 - 31/12/2021 |
HUBS2520 |
Sports Science 3 The University of Newcastle |
Tutor | 18/7/2016 - 31/12/2021 |
HUBS3510 |
Sports Science 4 The University of Newcastle |
Tutor | 23/7/2018 - 2/11/2018 |
HUBS3412 |
Work Integrated Learning in Biomedical Science School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmcy, The University of Newcastle |
Project Supervisor | 22/7/2019 - 31/12/2024 |
SR1S17 |
Human Nutrition 1 University of South Wales |
Lecturer | 1/9/2013 - 30/6/2014 |
HUBS2503 |
Clinical Exercise Physiology School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle |
Course Coordinator | 1/1/2019 - 31/12/2024 |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Chapter (2 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
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2022 |
Lubans DR, Leahy AA, Mavilidi MF, Valkenborghs SR, 'Physical Activity, Fitness, and Executive Functions in Youth: Effects, Moderators, and Mechanisms', Sensitive Periods of Brain Development and Preventive Interventions, Springer Nature Switzerland, Cham, Switzerland 103-130 (2022) [B1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
2016 |
Balchin T, Valkenborghs S, 'Physical Activity after Stroke', Clinical Exercise Science, Routledge, London 123-155 (2016)
|
Nova |
Journal article (17 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
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2024 |
Valkenborghs SR, Hayman MJ, 'Physical activity during pregnancy and baby brain development The elephant in the consulting room', Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 159 105602-105602 (2024)
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2023 |
Grace T, Fisher J, Wang C, Valkenborghs SR, Smith R, Hirst JJ, et al., 'Newcastle 1000 (NEW1000) Study: an Australian population-based prospective pregnancy cohort study design and protocol', BMJ OPEN, 13 (2023)
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2023 |
Scott HA, Ng SH, McLoughlin RF, Valkenborghs SR, Nair P, Brown AC, et al., 'Effect of obesity on airway and systemic inflammation in adults with asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.', Thorax, 78 957-965 (2023) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
2022 |
Valkenborghs SR, Hillman CH, Al-Iedani O, Nilsson M, Smith JJ, Leahy AA, et al., 'Effect of high-intensity interval training on hippocampal metabolism in older adolescents', PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY, 59 (2022) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
2022 |
Valkenborghs SR, Anderson SL, Scott HA, Callister R, 'Exercise Training Programs Improve Cardiorespiratory and Functional Fitness in Adults With Asthma A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS', JOURNAL OF CARDIOPULMONARY REHABILITATION AND PREVENTION, 42 423-433 (2022) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
2022 |
Valkenborghs SR, Dent PC, Stillman CM, 'The intergenerational effects of parental physical activity on offspring brain and neurocognition in humans: A scoping review', Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 143 (2022) [C1] Animal models suggest physical activity (PA) has intergenerational effects on brain health and neurocognition. This scoping review compiles the human literature in this area, iden... [more] Animal models suggest physical activity (PA) has intergenerational effects on brain health and neurocognition. This scoping review compiles the human literature in this area, identifies knowledge gaps, and makes recommendations for future research. We systematically searched for experimental or observational studies conducted in humans, published in English, and reporting parental PA exposure (preconception or prenatal) and subsequent offspring brain and neurocognition. Two reviewers independently screened studies according to predetermined inclusion criteria. Fourteen studies were included (four experimental and 10 observational) reporting on 93,486 parent-child dyads (100% maternal, 0% paternal). Prenatal maternal PA exposure was examined in 10 (71%) studies, while preconception and prenatal PA exposure was examined in four (29%) studies. Maternal PA exposure was positively related to offspring (0¿20y) brain and neurocognitive development in 25% of experimental studies and 100% of observational studies. Little is known about the intergenerational effects of parental PA on offspring brain and neurocognition in humans, particularly paternal preconception PA. More experimental studies with longer offspring follow-up and more objective and/or mechanistic assessments are required.
|
Nova | |||||||||
2022 |
Robinson KJ, Lubans DR, Mavilidi MF, Hillman CH, Benzing V, Valkenborghs SR, Barker D, 'Effects of Classroom-Based Resistance Training With and Without Cognitive Training on Adolescents Cognitive Function, On-task Behavior, and Muscular Fitness', Frontiers in Psychology, 13 (2022) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
2021 |
Lubans DR, Smith JJ, Eather N, Leahy AA, Morgan PJ, Lonsdale C, et al., 'Time-efficient intervention to improve older adolescents' cardiorespiratory fitness: Findings from the a Burn 2 Learn' cluster randomised controlled trial', British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55 751-758 (2021) [C1] Background Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important marker of current and future health status. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of a time-efficient ... [more] Background Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important marker of current and future health status. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of a time-efficient school-based intervention on older adolescents' CRF. Methods Two-arm cluster randomised controlled trial conducted in two cohorts (February 2018 to February 2019 and February 2019 to February 2020) in New South Wales, Australia. Participants (N=670, 44.6% women, 16.0±0.43 years) from 20 secondary schools: 10 schools (337 participants) were randomised to the Burn 2 Learn (B2L) intervention and 10 schools (333 participants) to the control. Teachers in schools allocated to the B2L intervention were provided with training, resources, and support to facilitate the delivery of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) activity breaks during curriculum time. Teachers and students in the control group continued their usual practice. The primary outcome was CRF (20 m multi-stage fitness test). Secondary outcomes were muscular fitness, physical activity, hair cortisol concentrations, mental health and cognitive function. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 months (primary end-point) and 12 months. Effects were estimated using mixed models accounting for clustering. Results We observed a group-by-time effect for CRF (difference=4.1 laps, 95% CI 1.8 to 6.4) at the primary end-point (6 months), but not at 12 months. At 6 months, group-by-time effects were found for muscular fitness, steps during school hours and cortisol. Conclusions Implementing HIIT during curricular time improved adolescents' CRF and several secondary outcomes. Our findings suggest B2L is unlikely to be an effective approach unless teachers embed sessions within the school day. Trial registration number Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12618000293268).
|
Nova | |||||||||
2021 |
Downs C, Snodgrass SJ, Weerasekara I, Valkenborghs SR, Callister R, 'Injuries in Netball-A Systematic Review', SPORTS MEDICINE-OPEN, 7 (2021) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
2019 |
Valkenborghs SR, Callister R, Visser MM, Nilsson M, van Vliet P, 'Interventions combined with task-specific training to improve upper limb motor recovery following stroke: a systematic review with meta-analyses', Physical Therapy Reviews, 24 1-19 (2019) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
2019 |
Valkenborghs SR, Erickson KI, Nilsson M, van Vliet P, Callister R, 'Feasibility of Aerobic Interval Training in Nonambulant Persons after Stroke', Journal of Clinical Exercise Physiology, 8 97-101 (2019) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
2019 |
Valkenborghs SR, van Vliet P, Nilsson M, Zalewska K, Visser MM, Erickson KI, Callister R, 'Aerobic exercise and consecutive task-specific training (AExaCTT) for upper limb recovery after stroke: A randomized controlled pilot study', Physiotherapy Research International, 24 1-11 (2019) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
2019 |
Valkenborghs SR, Noetel M, Hillman C, Nilsson M, Smith J, Ortega F, Lubans DR, 'The Impact of Physical Activity on Brain Structure and Function in Youth: A Systematic Review', PEDIATRICS, 144 (2019) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
2018 |
Valkenborghs SR, Visser MM, Nilsson M, Callister R, van Vliet P, 'Aerobic exercise prior to task-specific training to improve poststroke motor function: A case series.', Physiotherapy research international : the journal for researchers and clinicians in physical therapy, 23 e1707 (2018) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
Show 14 more journal articles |
Conference (14 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
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2023 |
Valkenborghs SR, Wood LG, Callister R, Upham JW, Grainge CL, Anderson S, et al., 'Excess visceral adipose tissue is associated with poorer lung function and increased airway inflammation in adults with asthma', PROCEEDINGS OF THE NUTRITION SOCIETY (2023)
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2023 |
Lewthwaite H, Cox ER, D'Elia G, Valkenborghs S, Mackney J, Mcdonald VM, 'Survey of Australian pulmonary rehabilitation health professionals: is exercise prescribed in line with clinical guidance?', EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL, IA, Milan (2023)
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2023 |
Lewthwaite H, Cox E, D'Elia G, Valkenborghs S, Mackney J, McDonald V, 'Exercise prescription in Australian pulmonary rehabilitation programmes; guidance discordance', RESPIROLOGY (2023)
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Show 11 more conferences |
Preprint (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 |
Valkenborghs SR, Dent PC, Stillman CM, 'The intergenerational effects of parental physical activity on offspring brain and neurocognition in humans: a scoping review (2022)
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Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 23 |
---|---|
Total funding | $2,558,989 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20241 grants / $781,913
Comparative effectiveness of walk-and-talk vs traditional psychotherapy for men with low mood: A randomised trial$781,913
Funding body: NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council)
Funding body | NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council) |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Myles Young, Doctor Ryan Drew, Associate Professor Sean Halpin, Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, Doctor Victoria McCreanor, Professor Philip Morgan, Dr Zac Seidler, Doctor Jordan Smith, Doctor Sarah Valkenborghs |
Scheme | MRFF - Clinical Trials Activity - Effective Health Interventions |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2024 |
Funding Finish | 2027 |
GNo | G2300320 |
Type Of Funding | C1300 - Aust Competitive - Medical Research Future Fund |
Category | 1300 |
UON | Y |
20233 grants / $1,541,948
Personalising the management of obesity-associated asthma using medical nutrition therapy and physical activity prescription: The IDEAL Study$1,506,948
Funding body: Department of Health and Aged Care
Funding body | Department of Health and Aged Care |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Hayley Scott, Professor Lisa Wood, Doctor Sarah Valkenborghs, Professor Anne Dixon, Professor Jay Horvat, Doctor Natasha Weaver, Dr Serene Yoong, Doctor Bronwyn Berthon, Doctor Evan Williams, Doctor Alexandra Brown, Dr Sze Yoong |
Scheme | MRFF - PPHRI - Chronic Respiratory Conditions |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2024 |
GNo | G2200660 |
Type Of Funding | C1300 - Aust Competitive - Medical Research Future Fund |
Category | 1300 |
UON | Y |
The IMPACT study: The Intergenerational effects of Maternal Physical Activity on Child Development$30,000
Funding body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
Funding body | Hunter Medical Research Institute |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Sarah Valkenborghs, Doctor Emily Freeman, Associate Professor Linda Campbell, Doctor Tegan Grace, Ms Samantha Hoskins |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2024 |
GNo | G2300065 |
Type Of Funding | C3300 – Aust Philanthropy |
Category | 3300 |
UON | Y |
Neural mechanisms underpinning the effects of cognitive load on postural stability with ageing$5,000
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Jodie Marquez, Professor Suzanne Snodgrass, Doctor Sarah Blyton, Doctor Ishanka Rajapaksha Mudiyanselage, Doctor Sarah Valkenborghs |
Scheme | Pilot Funding Scheme |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2023 |
GNo | G2300459 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20213 grants / $65,524
The ‘heart rate’ for the lungs: evaluating respiratory-specific parameters to optimise exercise prescription for people with chronic lung disease$46,924
Funding body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
Funding body | Hunter Medical Research Institute |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Hayley Lewthwaite, Doctor Emily Cox, Doctor Jenny Mackney, Professor Vanessa McDonald, Doctor Sarah Valkenborghs |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | G2100891 |
Type Of Funding | C3300 – Aust Philanthropy |
Category | 3300 |
UON | Y |
Prenatal physical activity, stress and mental health – downstream effects on offspring development$14,100
Funding body: 2021 Strategic Research Pilot Grant - College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle
Funding body | 2021 Strategic Research Pilot Grant - College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Sarah Valkenborghs, Tegan Grace, Marina Ilicic, Frances Kay-Lambkin, Mitch Duncan, Craig Pennell |
Scheme | College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing - 2021 Strategic Pilot Grant Scheme |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
PRCPAN EMCR Publication Scheme$4,500
Funding body: Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition - The University of Newcastle
Funding body | Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition - The University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Sarah Valkenborghs |
Scheme | EMCR Publication Scheme |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20205 grants / $35,827
Improving outcomes for people with cancer using a telehealth-enabled home-based exercise training program.$9,988
Funding body: School of Medicine & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Medicine, University of Newcastle | Australia
Funding body | School of Medicine & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Medicine, University of Newcastle | Australia |
---|---|
Project Team | Erica James, Craig Gedye, Loukas Nadiotis, Sarah Valkenborghs, Aoife McGarvey, Robin Callister, Mitch Duncan |
Scheme | Strategic Pilot Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Can we Improve Treatment in Glioblastoma with Precision Exercise?$9,950
Funding body: 2020 Faculty Strategic Pilot Grant
Funding body | 2020 Faculty Strategic Pilot Grant |
---|---|
Project Team | Craig Gedye, Sarah Valkenborghs, Saad Ramadan, Erica James, James Lynam |
Scheme | 2020 Faculty of Health and Medicine Strategic Pilot Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Physical activity, fitness, and brain metabolism$9,304
Funding body: Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition - The University of Newcastle
Funding body | Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition - The University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Sarah Valkenborghs |
Scheme | Seed funding |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Evaluating the effectiveness of exercise oncology for men with prostate cancer$4,895
Funding body: 2020 Faculty Strategic Pilot Grant
Funding body | 2020 Faculty Strategic Pilot Grant |
---|---|
Project Team | Sarah Valkenborghs, Loukas Nadiotis, Craig Gedye, Robin Callister, Erica James |
Scheme | 2020 Faculty of Health and Medicine Strategic Pilot Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy Equipment Grant$1,690
Funding body: The University of Newcastle
Funding body | The University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Sarah Valkenborghs |
Scheme | Equipment Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20195 grants / $63,807
Understanding how exercise improves asthma$32,225
Funding body: John Hunter Hospital Charitable Trust
Funding body | John Hunter Hospital Charitable Trust |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Hayley Scott, Professor Lisa Wood, Emeritus Professor Robin Callister, Doctor Sarah Valkenborghs, Doctor Geoff Tyler |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | G1900260 |
Type Of Funding | C2400 – Aust StateTerritoryLocal – Other |
Category | 2400 |
UON | Y |
Investigating the impact of cognitively demanding physical activity breaks on adolescents’ cognition, brain structure and function$23,101
Funding body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
Funding body | Hunter Medical Research Institute |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Nick Riley, Doctor Myrto Mavilidi, Professor David Lubans, Doctor Sarah Valkenborghs, Doctor Daniel Barker, Professor Charles Hillman, Assistant Professor Mirko Schmidt |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | G1901494 |
Type Of Funding | C3300 – Aust Philanthropy |
Category | 3300 |
UON | Y |
Visiting Fellow $3,500
Funding body: Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Dr Sarah Valkenborghs; Dr Chelsea Stillman (University of Pittsburgh) |
Scheme | Visiting Fellows Scheme |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
World Technology Universities Network Research Exchange Travel Grant: Optimising Glycaemic Control during Exercise in children with Type 1 Diabetes$3,081
Funding body: World Technology Universities Network
Funding body | World Technology Universities Network |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Sarah Valkenborghs, Conjoint Professor Bruce King, Emeritus Professor Robin Callister, Dr David O'Neal, Dessi Zaharieva, Michael Riddell, Doctor Carmel Smart |
Scheme | World Technology Universities Network Research Exchange Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | G1900978 |
Type Of Funding | C3400 – International For Profit |
Category | 3400 |
UON | Y |
Research Equipment Grant$1,900
Funding body: Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Dr Sarah Valkenborghs |
Scheme | FHEAM Equipment Grant Round |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20181 grants / $6,352
Research training visit at the Brain Ageing and Cognitive Health Lab, University of Pittsburgh$6,352
Funding body: Centre for Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery
Funding body | Centre for Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery |
---|---|
Project Team | Sarah Valkenborghs, Prof. Paulette van Vliet, Prof. Michael Nilsson, Prof. Robin Callister. |
Scheme | Research Trainee Centre Visit Travel Scholarship |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2018 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Not Known |
Category | UNKN |
UON | N |
20172 grants / $5,510
Clinical Research Design, Information Technology and Statistical Support (CReDITSS) Grant$4,000
Funding body: Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury
Funding body | Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury |
---|---|
Project Team | Sarah Valkenborghs, Robin Callister, Paulette van Vliet, Michael Nilsson |
Scheme | Clinical Research Design, Information Technology and Statistical Support (CReDITSS) Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Research Support Grant$1,510
Funding body: Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury
Funding body | Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury |
---|---|
Project Team | Sarah Valkenborghs, Robin Callister, Michael Nilsson, Paulette van Vliet |
Scheme | PRC Project Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20153 grants / $58,108
Effects of aerobic exercise combined with task specific training on neuroplasticity in chronic stroke$36,000
Funding body: National Stroke Foundation
Funding body | National Stroke Foundation |
---|---|
Project Team | Prof. Paulette van Vliet, Prof. Michael Nilsson, Milanka Visser, Sarah Valkenborghs |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2015 |
Funding Finish | 2018 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | C3112 - Aust Not for profit |
Category | 3112 |
UON | N |
Faculty of Health and Medicine - Research Equipment Grant$12,108
Funding body: Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Sarah Valkenborghs, Professor Paulette van Vliet, Professor Michael Nilsson, Milanka Visser, Ashlee Dunn, Professor Robin Callister. |
Scheme | Faculty Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2015 |
Funding Finish | 2015 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Jennie Thomas Medical Research Travel Grant$10,000
Funding body: Jennie Thomas - Philanthropic Donor
Funding body | Jennie Thomas - Philanthropic Donor |
---|---|
Project Team | Sarah Valkenborghs |
Scheme | Jennie Thomas Medical Research Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2015 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | C3120 - Aust Philanthropy |
Category | 3120 |
UON | N |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | PhD | Personalising The Management Of Obesity-Associated Asthma | PhD (Nutritional Biochemistry), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Past Supervision
Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | Masters | An Analysis of Injury Databases of Amateur Netball Players | M Philosophy (Physiotherapy), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2020 | Honours | Changes in brain structure and function during stroke rehabilitation as measured by Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Medical Science, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2018 | Honours | Exercise Training for Adults with Asthma | Human Movement, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2015 | Honours | Acceptability of task-specific training combined with aerobic exercise after stroke | Occupational Therapy, School of Health Science, Faculty of Health & Medicine, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Dr Sarah Valkenborghs
Position
Lecturer
Deputy Theme Leader for Nutrition, Exercise and CVD
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Focus area
Human Physiology
Contact Details
sarah.valkenborghs@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | (02) 4042 0819 |
Links |
Research Networks |
Office
Room | MSB305 |
---|---|
Location | Callaghan campus University Drive Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia |