Article
Zhang X, Moran C, Wang R, Zhou Y & Brooks N (2023) Salivary Amylase Gene (AMY1) Copy Number Variation Has Only Minor Correlation with Body Composition in Chinese Adults. Genes and Genomics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13258-023-01381-x
I joined the University of Stirling as a Lecturer in 2012. I grew up in Glasgow and completed my undergraduate degree in Physiology at the University of Glasgow. I then took the long way from Glasgow to Stirling by spending 6.5 years in the USA studying for my PhD in Exercise Physiology & Muscle Biology from Ohio University and then a post-doctoral fellowship at Tufts University, Boston. From there I spent 5 years in South Africa with a post-doctoral associate position at Stellenbosch University and then 2 years as a Lecturer at Stellenbosch. I returned to Scotland at the end of 2011 and began my lectureship in Stirling.
I am currently the Programme Director for the Sport and Exercise Science UG degree programme and I chair the Faculty Equality, Diversity & Inclusion / Athena SWAN committee.
External Examiner, Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons), University of Essex
University of Essex
I was the External Examiner for the Undergraduate Programme in Sport and Exercise Science.
External Examiner, Sport and Exercise Science MSc Programme, University of Essex
University of Essex
Member of Physiological Society, American Physiological Society, Physiological Society of Southern Africa
My research investigates physical activity / inactivity and health; skeletal muscle physiology including satellite cells (muscle stem cells) and molecular pathways in various conditions of muscle atrophy; and involved with capacity building in lower-middle-income countries.
My research (published and current) incorporates a number of important areas of exercise physiology, muscle biology and nutrition in both laboratory, applied and community environments.
My research interests include investigation of muscle metabolism during atrophy – atrophy with ageing (sarcopenia), disuse atrophy (such as with bed rest and sedentary lifestyle) and lack of atrophy seen in skeletal muscle during hibernation. The practical application of studying these factors is relevant to clinical physiology in relation to preventing atrophy (consequence of disease or disuse) as well as combating sarcopenia (consequence of ageing) and metabolic diseases.
Furthermore, my research interests include the applied influences of exercise and nutrition, particularly in the community, and previous experience includes initiating and developing a community based exercise programme for African women of disadvantaged backgrounds at high risk for disease as well as investigating the impact of the Daily Mile in school children.
I am leading a UK-South Africa Doctoral Training Programme for academics from Historically Disadvantaged Institutions in South Africa to undertake PhDs.
I have presented invited seminars at universities in the UK, USA and South Africa and given research presentations at various international conferences.
Evaluation of Legacy 2014 Physical Activity Fund
PI: Dr Naomi Brooks
Funded by: Active Stirling Ltd
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Protein Deficiency, sacropenia and cardiometabolic risk in older urban black Cape Town populations: feasibility studies
PI: Professor Angus Hunter
Funded by: Medical Research Council
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UK-SA University Staff Doctoral Programme Collaboration Grant
PI: Dr Naomi Brooks
Funded by: The British Council
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Are systemic and local skeletal muscle responses to immobilisation gender specific?
PI: Dr Naomi Brooks
Funded by: Society for Endocrinology
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Impact of antioxidant supplementation on satellite cell activity during recovery from plyometric-induced muscle damage
PI: Dr Naomi Brooks
Funded by: Royal Society
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Article
Zhang X, Moran C, Wang R, Zhou Y & Brooks N (2023) Salivary Amylase Gene (AMY1) Copy Number Variation Has Only Minor Correlation with Body Composition in Chinese Adults. Genes and Genomics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13258-023-01381-x
Article
Booth JN, Chesham RA, Brooks NE, Gorely T & Moran CN (2022) The Impact of the Daily Mile™ on School Pupils' Fitness, Cognition, and Wellbeing: Findings From Longer Term Participation. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Art. No.: 812616. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.812616
Article
Mendham AE, Goedecke JH, Micklesfield LK, Brooks NE, Faber M, Christensen DL, Gallagher IJ, Lundin-Olsson L, Myburgh KH, Odunitan-Wayas FA, Lambert EV, Kalula S & Hunter AM (2021) Understanding factors associated with sarcopenic obesity in older African women from a low-income setting: a cross-sectional analysis. BMC Geriatrics, 21 (1), Art. No.: 247. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-021-02132-x
Article
Hartwig TB, Sanders T, Vasconcellos D, Noetel M, Parker PD, Lubans DR, Andrade S, Ávila-García M, Bartholomew J, Belton S, Brooks NE, Bugge A, Cavero-Redondo I, Christiansen LB & Moran C (2021) School-based interventions modestly increase physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness but are least effective for youth who need them most: an individual participant pooled analysis of 20 controlled trials. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55 (13), pp. 721-729. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-102740
Article
Pina I, Mendham AE, Tomaz SA, Goedecke JH, Micklesfield LK, Brooks NE, Gallagher IJ, Crockett R, Dudchenko P & Hunter AM (2021) Intensity Matters for Musculoskeletal Health: A Cross-Sectional Study on Movement Behaviors of Older Adults from High-Income Scottish and Low-Income South African Communities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 (8), Art. No.: 4310. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084310
Article
Sarcopenic Obesity in Africa: A Call for Diagnostic Methods and Appropriate Interventions
Mendham AE, Lundin-Olsson L, Goedecke JH, Micklesfield LK, Christensen DL, Gallagher IJ, Myburgh KH, Odunitan-Wayas FA, Lambert EV, Kalula S, Hunter AM & Brooks NE (2021) Sarcopenic Obesity in Africa: A Call for Diagnostic Methods and Appropriate Interventions. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8, Art. No.: 661170. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.661170
Article
Odunitan-Wayas FA, Faber M, Mendham AM, Goedecke JH, Micklesfield LK, Brooks NE, Christensen DL, Gallagher IJ, Myburgh KH, Hunter AM & Lambert EV (2021) Food Security, Dietary Intake, and Foodways of Urban Low-Income Older South African Women: An Exploratory Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 (8), Art. No.: 3973. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18083973
Article
Booth JN, Chesham RA, Brooks NE, Gorely T & Moran CN (2020) A citizen science study of short physical activity breaks at school: improvements in cognition and wellbeing with self-paced activity. BMC Medicine, 18 (1), Art. No.: 62. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-020-01539-4
Commentary
Chesham RA, Booth JN, Sweeney EL, Ryde GC, Gorely T, Brooks NE & Moran CN (2019) Response to Daly-Smith et al.'s commentary on 'The Daily Mile makes primary school children more active, less sedentary and improves their fitness and body composition: a quasi-experimental pilot study'. Commentary on: Daly-Smith A, Morris JL, Hobbs M, McKenna J. Commentary on a recent article on the effects of the ‘daily mile’ on physical activity, fitness and body composition: addressing key limitations. BMC Medicine, 2019, 17:96. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-019-1335-4. BMC Medicine, 17 (1), Art. No.: 97. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-019-1336-3
Policy Document
The impact of the Daily Mile on Primary School Children
Moran C, Brooks N, Booth J, Chesham R, Sweeney E, Ryde G & Gorely T (2019) The impact of the Daily Mile on Primary School Children. University of Stirling. Stirling. https://www.stir.ac.uk/research/public-policy-hub/policy-briefings/
Article
The Daily Mile: What factors are associated with its implementation success?
Ryde GC, Booth JN, Brooks NE, Chesham RA, Moran CN & Gorely T (2018) The Daily Mile: What factors are associated with its implementation success?. PLoS ONE, 13 (10), Art. No.: e0204988. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0204988
Article
Chesham R, Booth JN, Sweeney EL, Ryde G, Gorely T, Brooks N & Moran CN (2018) The Daily Mile makes primary school children more active, less sedentary and improves their fitness and body composition: a quasi-experimental pilot study. BMC Medicine, 16, Art. No.: 64. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-018-1049-z
Newspaper Article
When kids run for 15 minutes in school every day, here’s what happens to their health
Moran CN, Brooks N & Chesham R (2018) When kids run for 15 minutes in school every day, here’s what happens to their health. The Conversation. 10.05.2018. https://theconversation.com/when-kids-run-for-15-minutes-in-school-every-day-heres-what-happens-to-their-health-96371
Newspaper Article
Five things that happen to your body in space
Brooks N (2018) Five things that happen to your body in space. The Conversation. 15.01.2018.
Article
Sweeney EL, Jeromson S, Hamilton DL, Brooks N & Walshe I (2017) Skeletal muscle insulin signaling and whole-body glucose metabolism following acute sleep restriction in healthy males. Physiological Reports, 5 (23), Art. No.: e13498. https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.13498
Book Chapter
Health and exercise in the community
Brooks N (2017) Health and exercise in the community. In: Bonner A (ed.) Social determinants of health: An interdisciplinary approach to social inequality and wellbeing. Bristol: Policy Press, pp. 87-102. https://policypress.co.uk/social-determinants-of-health
Article
Multiple AMPK activators inhibit L-Carnitine uptake in C2C12 skeletal muscle myotubes
Shaw A, Jeromson S, Watterson KR, Pediani JD, Gallagher IJ, Whalley T, Dreczkowski G, Brooks N, Galloway SD & Hamilton DL (2017) Multiple AMPK activators inhibit L-Carnitine uptake in C2C12 skeletal muscle myotubes. American Journal of Physiology - Cell Physiology, 312 (6), pp. C689-C696. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00026.2016
Article
Muscle satellite cells increase during hibernation in ground squirrels
Brooks N, Myburgh KH & Storey KB (2015) Muscle satellite cells increase during hibernation in ground squirrels. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 189, pp. 55-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpb.2015.07.006
Article
Brooks N, Cadena SM, Cloutier GJ, Vega-Lopez S, Roubenoff R & Castaneda-Sceppa C (2014) Influence of exercise on the metabolic profile caused by 28 days of bed rest with energy deficit and amino acid supplementation in healthy men. International Journal of Medical Sciences, 11 (12), pp. 1248-1257. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijms.9694
Article
Calcium kinetics during bed rest with artificial gravity and exercise countermeasures
Smith SM, Castaneda-Sceppa C, O'Brien KO, Abrams SA, Gillman PL, Brooks N, Cloutier GJ, Heer M, Zwart SR & Wastney ME (2014) Calcium kinetics during bed rest with artificial gravity and exercise countermeasures. Osteoporosis International, 25 (9), pp. 2237-2244. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-014-2754-x
Article
Brooks N & Myburgh KH (2014) Skeletal muscle wasting with disuse atrophy is multi-dimensional: the response and interaction of myonuclei, satellite cells and signaling pathways. Frontiers in Physiology, 5, Art. No.: 99. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2014.00099
Article
Satellite cell pool expansion is affected by skeletal muscle characteristics
Macaluso F, Brooks N, Niesler CU & Myburgh KH (2013) Satellite cell pool expansion is affected by skeletal muscle characteristics. Muscle and Nerve, 48 (1), pp. 109-116. https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.23721
Book Chapter
Prevention of skeletal muscle wasting: disuse atrophy and sarcopenia
Brooks N & Myburgh KH (2012) Prevention of skeletal muscle wasting: disuse atrophy and sarcopenia. In: Cseri J (ed.) Skeletal Muscle - From Myogenesis to Clinical Relations. Rijeka, Croatia: InTech, pp. 167-188. http://www.intechopen.com/books/skeletal-muscle-from-myogenesis-to-clinical-relations
Article
Satellite cell count, VO2max, and p38 MAPK in inactive to moderately active young men
Macaluso F, Brooks N, van de Vyver M, Van Tubbergh K, Niesler CU & Myburgh KH (2012) Satellite cell count, VO2max, and p38 MAPK in inactive to moderately active young men. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 22 (4), pp. e38-e44. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01389.x
Article
Interactions of aging, overload, and creatine supplementation in rat plantaris muscle
Schuenke M, Brooks N & Hikida R (2011) Interactions of aging, overload, and creatine supplementation in rat plantaris muscle. Journal of Aging Research, 2011 (Article 393416). https://doi.org/10.4061/2011/393416
Article
Myostatin levels in skeletal muscle of hibernating ground squirrels
Brooks N, Myburgh KH & Storey KB (2011) Myostatin levels in skeletal muscle of hibernating ground squirrels. Journal of Experimental Biology, 214 (15), pp. 2522-2527. https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.055764
Article
Brooks N, Cadena SM, Vannier E, Cloutier G, Carambula S, Myburgh KH, Roubenoff R & Castaneda-Sceppa C (2010) Effects of resistance exercise combined with essential amino acid supplementation and energy deficit on markers of skeletal muscle atrophy and regeneration during bed rest and active recovery. Muscle and Nerve, 42 (6), pp. 927-935. https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.21780
Article
Creatine Supplementation and DHT:T Ratio in Male Rugby Players Reply
Myburgh KH, van der Merwe J & Brooks N (2010) Creatine Supplementation and DHT:T Ratio in Male Rugby Players Reply. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 20 (3), pp. 220-222. http://www-scopus-com.ezproxy.stir.ac.uk/record/display.url?eid=2-s2.0-77951986081&origin=resultslist&sort=plf-f&src=s&st1=10.1097%2fJSM.0b013e3181df5f9c&sid=7114744B8D9A37BF469B940477E908E8.euC1gMODexYlPkQec4u1Q%3a520&sot=b&sdt=b&sl=33&s=DOI%2810.1097%2fJ; https://doi.org/10.1097/JSM.0b013e3181df5f9c
Article
Effects of chronic overload on muscle hypertrophy and mTOR signaling in young adult and aged rats
Chale-Rush A, Morris EP, Kendall TL, Brooks N & Fielding RA (2009) Effects of chronic overload on muscle hypertrophy and mTOR signaling in young adult and aged rats. Journals of Gerontology, Series A, 64 (12), pp. 1232-1239. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glp146
Article
No change in skeletal muscle satellite cells in young and aging rat soleus muscle
Brooks N, Schuenke M & Hikida R (2009) No change in skeletal muscle satellite cells in young and aging rat soleus muscle. Journal of Physiological Sciences, 59 (6), pp. 465-471. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12576-009-0058-2
Article
Ageing influences myonuclear domain size differently in fast and slow skeletal muscle of rats
Brooks N, Schuenke M & Hikida R (2009) Ageing influences myonuclear domain size differently in fast and slow skeletal muscle of rats. Acta Physiologica, 197 (1), pp. 55-63. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-1716.2009.01983.x
Article
van der Merwe J, Brooks N & Myburgh KH (2009) Three Weeks of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation Affects Dihydrotestosterone to Testosterone Ratio in College-Aged Rugby Players. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 19 (5), pp. 399-404. https://doi.org/10.1097/JSM.0b013e3181b8b52f
Article
Brooks N, Cloutier G, Cadena SM, Layne JE, Nelsen CA, Freed AM, Roubenoff R & Castaneda-Sceppa C (2008) Resistance training and timed essential amino acids protect against the loss of muscle mass and strength during 28 days of bed rest and energy deficit. Journal of Applied Physiology, 105 (1), pp. 241-248. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.01346.2007
Meeting Abstract
Pax7, A Marker Of Satellite Cell Activity, Was Not Changed After 28 Days Bed Rest
Brooks N, Cadena SM, Myburgh KH, Roubenoff R & Castaneda-Sceppa C (2008) Pax7, A Marker Of Satellite Cell Activity, Was Not Changed After 28 Days Bed Rest. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 40 (5 (Supplement 1)), pp. S32-S32. http://apps.webofknowledge.com.ezproxy.stir.ac.uk/full_record.do?product=WOS&search_mode=GeneralSearch&qid=4&SID=Y1fo74I2I5FBM3MNAiD&page=1&doc=1; https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000321586.12694.b9
Article
Brooks N, Layne JE, Gordon PL, Roubenoff R, Nelson ME & Castaneda-Sceppa C (2007) Strength training improves muscle quality and insulin sensitivity in Hispanic older adults with type 2 diabetes. International Journal of Medical Sciences, 4 (1), pp. 19-27. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijms.4.19
Article
Ferrell WR, Ramsay JE, Brooks N, Lockhart JC, Dickson S, McNeece GM, Greer IA & Sattar N (2002) Elimination of electrically induced iontophoretic artefacts: Implications for non-invasive assessment of peripheral microvascular function. Journal of Vascular Research, 39 (5), pp. 447-455. https://doi.org/10.1159/000064515
Undergraduate teaching
I am the Programme Director for Sport & Exercise Science UG degree https://www.stir.ac.uk/courses/ug/sport/sport-exercise-science/
This role includes leading programme changes and co-ordination, support, supervision, management and mentoring of 11 academic staff who teach on the programme. I have contributed to almost all of our BSc programme.
Module Coordinator: I currently teach and coordinate Anatomy & Physiology 2 (2nd year, semester 4)
Module Contributor: Introduction to Sport Studies 2 (1st year, semester 2) Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 (2nd year, semester 3) Foundations of Physical Activity for Health (2nd year, semester 4) Sports Medicine, Health & Wellbeing (3rd year, semester 5) Psychology of Physical Activity, Exercise and Health (3rd year, semester 6) Research Methods and Research Project in Sport & Exercise Science (4th year, semester 8).