
Dr Sarah Valkenborghs
Associate Lecturer
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
- Email:sarah.valkenborghs@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 4042 0819
Career Summary
Biography
Dr Sarah Valkenborghs holds a PhD in Human Physiology from the University of Newcastle, completed under the supervision of Prof. Robin Callister, Prof. Michael Nilsson, and Prof. Paulette van Vliet, and in collaboration with Prof. Kirk Erickson (University of Pittsburgh, USA).
Her main research interests are the use of exercise in the treatment of chronic disease and exercise-induced neuroplasticity.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy in Human Physiology, University of Newcastle
Keywords
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Clinical Exercise Physiology
- Exercise Testing
- Exercise Training
- Neuroplasticity
- Physical Activity
- Rehabilitation
- Stroke
Languages
- English (Mother)
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
---|---|---|
060699 | Physiology not elsewhere classified | 40 |
110320 | Radiology and Organ Imaging | 30 |
110602 | Exercise Physiology | 30 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|
Associate Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy Australia |
Awards
Award
Year | Award |
---|---|
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 |
---|---|
2020 |
Finalist: Excellence in Teaching Award Office of the Vice-Chancellor, The University of Newcastle |
Invitations
Interviewee
Year | Title / Rationale |
---|---|
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 - 31/5/2019 |
HUBS3510 |
Sports Science 4 School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle |
Course Coordinator | 1/1/2020 - 31/12/2020 |
HUBS2507 |
Integrative Physiology The University of Newcastle |
Tutor | 18/7/2016 - 31/12/2019 |
HUBS2520 |
Sports Science 3 The University of Newcastle |
Tutor | 18/7/2016 - 3/11/2017 |
HUBS3510 |
Sports Science 4 The University of Newcastle |
Tutor | 23/7/2018 - 2/11/2018 |
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 - 31/12/2020 |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Chapter (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2016 |
Balchin T, Valkenborghs S, 'Physical Activity after Stroke', Clinical Exercise Science, Routledge, London 123-155 (2016) [B1]
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Journal article (9 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
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2021 |
Downs C, Snodgrass SJ, Weerasekara I, Valkenborghs SR, Callister R, 'Injuries in Netball-A Systematic Review.', Sports Med Open, 7 3 (2021)
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2020 | 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 'Burn 2 Learn' cluster randomised controlled trial.', Br J Sports Med, (2020) | ||||||||||
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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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2017 |
Valkenborghs SR, Visser MM, Dunn A, Erickson KI, Nilsson M, Callister R, van Vliet P, 'AExaCTT Aerobic Exercise and Consecutive Task-specific Training for the upper limb after stroke: Protocol for a randomised controlled pilot study', Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 7 179-185 (2017) [C1] © 2017 The Authors Motor function may be enhanced if aerobic exercise is paired with motor training. One potential mechanism is that aerobic exercise increases levels of brain-der... [more] © 2017 The Authors Motor function may be enhanced if aerobic exercise is paired with motor training. One potential mechanism is that aerobic exercise increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is important in neuroplasticity and involved in motor learning and motor memory consolidation. This study will examine the feasibility of a parallel-group assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial investigating whether task-specific training preceded by aerobic exercise improves upper limb function more than task-specific training alone, and determine the effect size of changes in primary outcome measures. People with upper limb motor dysfunction after stroke will be allocated to either task-specific training or aerobic exercise and consecutive task-specific training. Both groups will perform 60 hours of task-specific training over 10 weeks, comprised of 3 × 1 hour sessions per week with a therapist and 3 × 1 hours of home-based self-practice per week. The combined intervention group will also perform 30 minutes of aerobic exercise (70¿85%HRmax) immediately prior to the 1 hour of task-specific training with the therapist. Recruitment, adherence, retention, participant acceptability, and adverse events will be recorded. Clinical outcome measures will be performed pre-randomisation at baseline, at completion of the training program, and at 1 and 6 months follow-up. Primary clinical outcome measures will be the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). If aerobic exercise prior to task-specific training is acceptable, and a future phase 3 randomised controlled trial seems feasible, it should be pursued to determine the efficacy of this combined intervention for people after stroke.
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Show 6 more journal articles |
Conference (4 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
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2018 |
Valkenborghs S, Erickson KI, Van Vliet P, Nilsson M, Callister R, 'Feasibility of Aerobic Interval Training in Non-Ambulant Persons after Stroke', Minneapolis (2018)
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2017 |
Valkenborghs S, Visser M, Nilsson M, Callister R, van Vliet P, 'A systematic review to identify all interventions combined with task-specific training to improve upper limb recovery following stroke', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE (2017)
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2016 |
Valkenborghs S, Callister R, Nilsson M, Erickson K, Visser M, Dunn A, Van Vliet P, 'Aerobic exercise to increase efficacy of task-specific training for the upper limb after stroke: A pilot study', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE (2016)
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Show 1 more conference |
Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 15 |
---|---|
Total funding | $160,949 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20204 grants / $26,523
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 |
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 / $64,456
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, Conjoint 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 | C2220 - Aust StateTerritoryLocal - Other |
Category | 2220 |
UON | Y |
Project Title Investigating the impact of cognitively demanding physical activity breaks on adolescents’ cognition, brain structure and function$23,750
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 | 2020 |
GNo | G1901494 |
Type Of Funding | C3120 - Aust Philanthropy |
Category | 3120 |
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, Conjoint 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 | C3211 - International For profit |
Category | 3211 |
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
Past Supervision
Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
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
Positions
Associate Lecturer
Deputy Theme Leader for Nutrition, Exercise and CVD (School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy)
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Casual Research Assistant
Deputy Theme Leader for Nutrition, Exercise and CVD (School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy)
School of Education
College of Human and Social Futures
Contact Details
sarah.valkenborghs@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | (02) 4042 0819 |
Links |
Twitter Research Networks |
Office
Room | ATC208 |
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