Dr Josh Denham

Dr Josh Denham
NameDr Josh Denham
Email Addressjosh.denham@unisq.edu.au
Job TitleSenior Lecturer (Clinical Exercise Physiology/Sport and Exercise Science)
QualificationsBAppMgt Federation, GDipExRehab Federation, MExRehab Federation, PhD Federation
DepartmentSchool of Health and Medical Sciences
AffiliationsCentre for Health Research
ORCIDhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-5804-4960
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Biography

I am an Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Accredited Exercise Physiologist (since 2010) and Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology/Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ). After completing undergraduate studies in Exercise Science (2007-2009), I obtained a Graduate Diploma (2010) and Master degree in Exercise Rehabilitation (2011). My Master's thesis was on the influence of endurance exercise on leukocyte telomere length, which involved a novel study comparing telomere length between a large cohort of ultra-marathon runners and healthy controls, and was awarded the ACHPER Masters Thesis Distinction Award in 2012. I graduated from a PhD in Biomedical Science (molecular biology) in 2016. My PhD thesis was an extension of my Master's work and involved the analysis of telomere biology and epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation and small RNAs) in context with ageing, cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise training. My first full-time continuing position was as a Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of New England (2015-2018). I then worked as a Lecturer in Exercise Science at RMIT University (2018-2021) before commencing my current role at UniSQ.

I continue to examine the role of exercise training as well as other lifestyle factors in healthy biological ageing and the underlying molecular mechanisms, with a focus on telomere biology and epigenetics. I have published 35 peer-reviewed journal articles and currently have an H-index of 18, i10-index of 24 and over 1400 citations as of 29/4/23 (Google Scholar).

The Team and I have a number of fantastic opportunities for Honours, Masters and PhD candidates. Email enquiries are encouraged.

Fields of Research

  • 420702. Exercise physiology

Professional Membership

Professional MembershipYear
ESSA
BAppMgt
Federation
2010
GDipExRehab
Federation
2011
MExRehab
Federation
2013
PhD
Federation
2016

Supervision Interests

Telomere biology

Exercise and healthy ageing

Cycling performance

Exercise for individuals with intellectual disability

Equine exercise physiology

Current Supervisions

Research TitleSupervisor TypeLevel of StudyCommenced
Functional Threshold Power in Cycling: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression with Normative DataAssociate SupervisorMasters2024
Item reviewedYear
Aging Cell2023
Ageing Research Reviews2021
Frontiers in Genetics2021
Equine Veterinary Journal2021
Journal of Equine Veterinary Science2020
American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism2020
Animal Genetics2020
Frontiers in immunology2018
Acta Physiologica2018
Sports Medicine2016
Sports Medicine 2014

Efficacy of a student-led interprofessional health clinic for preventing and managing chronic disease

Hulme, A., Sangelaji, B., Walker, C., Fallon, T., Denham, J. and Martin, P.. 2024. "Efficacy of a student-led interprofessional health clinic for preventing and managing chronic disease." 17th National Rural Health Conference. Perth, Australia 16 - 18 Sep 2024

Exercise to combat cancer focusing on the ends

Denham, Joshua, Bliss, Edward S., Bryan, Tracy M., O'Brien, Brendan J. and Mills, Dean. 2024. "Exercise to combat cancer focusing on the ends." Physiological Genomics. https://doi.org/10.1152/physiolgenomics.00075.2024

Efficacy of a student-led interprofessional health clinic in regional Australia for preventing and managing chronic disease

Hulme, Adam, Sangelaji, Bahram, Walker, Clara, Fallon, Tony, Denham, Joshua, Martin, Priya, Woodruffe, Steve, Bell, Kate, Aniftos, Michelle, Kirkpatrick, Jayne, Cotter, Nicola, Osborn, Dayle and Argus, Geoff. 2024. "Efficacy of a student-led interprofessional health clinic in regional Australia for preventing and managing chronic disease." Journal of Interprofessional Care. 38 (5), pp. 893-906. https://doi.org/10.1080/13561820.2024.2380436

Progressive overload in cardiorespiratory exercise training for young and old: Is increasing duration or intensity of exercise more important?

Bell, Leo Robert, Worn, Ryan, O’Grady, Mathew William, Denham, Joshua and O’Brien, Brendan Joseph. 2024. "Progressive overload in cardiorespiratory exercise training for young and old: Is increasing duration or intensity of exercise more important?" Medical Hypotheses. 188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2024.111366

Accelerated telomere shortening in individuals with intellectual disability

Hanley, Sarah M., Schutte, Nicola S. and Denham, Joshua. 2023. "Accelerated telomere shortening in individuals with intellectual disability." 18th Australian Cell Cycle, DNA repair and Telomere Meeting. Melbourne, Australia 23 Oct - 25 Nov 2023 Australia.

Exercise training reduces arterial stiffness in women with high blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Zaman, Shadman, Selva Raj, Isaac, Yang, Angela Wei Hong, Lindner, Robert and Denham, Joshua. 2024. "Exercise training reduces arterial stiffness in women with high blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Journal of Hypertension. 42 (2), pp. 197-204. https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0000000000003594

A student-run exercise physiology clinic in Australia: who and what do we see?

Hume, E., Cameron, M., Findley, I., Smart, S., Elisaia, C., Hulme, A., Mills, D. and Denham, J.. 2023. "A student-run exercise physiology clinic in Australia: who and what do we see? " 2023 ASICS SMA Conference (ASICS SMA 2023). Sunshine Coast, Australia 11 - 14 Oct 2023 Australia. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2023.08.107

Coconut Water: A Sports Drink Alternative?

O'Brien, Brendan J., Bell, Leo R., Hennessy, Declan, Denham, Joshua and Paton, Carl D.. 2023. "Coconut Water: A Sports Drink Alternative?" Sports. 11 (9). https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11090183

The Emerging Role of Hypoxic Training for the Equine Athlete

Davie, Allan, Beavers, Rosalind, Hargitaiová, Kristýna and Denham, Joshua. 2023. "The Emerging Role of Hypoxic Training for the Equine Athlete." Animals. 13 (17). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172799

Moderate to Vigorous-intensity Continuous Training versus High-intensity Interval Training for improving VO2max in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Lindner, Robert, Selva Raj, Isaac, Yang, Angela Wei Hong, Zaman, Shadman, Larsen, Brianna and Denham, Joshua. 2023. "Moderate to Vigorous-intensity Continuous Training versus High-intensity Interval Training for improving VO2max in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis." International Journal of Sports Medicine. 44 (7), pp. 484-495. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2044-8952

Canonical and extra-telomeric functions of telomerase: Implications for healthy ageing conferred by endurance training

Denham, Josh. 2023. "Canonical and extra-telomeric functions of telomerase: Implications for healthy ageing conferred by endurance training." Aging Cell. 22 (6). https://doi.org/10.1111/acel.13836

Exercise regulates shelterin genes and microRNAs implicated in ageing in Thoroughbred horses

Mandal, Shama, Denham, Michele M., Spencer, Sarah J. and Denham, Joshua. 2022. "Exercise regulates shelterin genes and microRNAs implicated in ageing in Thoroughbred horses." Pfugers Archiv: European journal of physiology. 474 (11), p. 1159–1169. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00424-022-02745-0

Cycling power outputs predict functional threshold power and maximum oxygen uptake

Denham, Joshua, Scott-Hamilton, John, Hagstrom, Amanda D. and Gray, Adrian J.. 2021. "Cycling power outputs predict functional threshold power and maximum oxygen uptake." Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 34 (12), pp. 3489-3497. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000002253

Plasma lipocalin-2/NGAL is stable over 12 weeks and is not modulated by exercise or dieting

Nakai, Michael E., Denham, Joshua, Prestes, Priscilla R., Eikelis, Nina, Lambert, Elizabeth A., Straznicky, Nora E., Schlaich, Markus P., Esler, Murray D., O'Brien, Brendan J., Charchar, Fadi J., Lambert, Gavin W. and Marques, Francine Z.. 2021. "Plasma lipocalin-2/NGAL is stable over 12 weeks and is not modulated by exercise or dieting." Scientific Reports. 11 (1), pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-83472-x

Co-expression analysis identifies networks of miRNAs implicated in biological ageing and modulated by short-term interval training

Dev, Prasun Kumar, Gray, Adrian J., Scott-Hamilton, John, Hagstrom, Amanda D., Murphy, Aron and Denham, Joshua. 2021. "Co-expression analysis identifies networks of miRNAs implicated in biological ageing and modulated by short-term interval training." Mechanisms of Ageing and Development. 199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mad.2021.111552

Epigenetic control of exercise adaptations in the equine athlete: current evidence and future directions

Denham, Joshua, McCluskey, Michael, Denham, Michele M., Sellami, Maha and Davie, Alan J.. 2021. "Epigenetic control of exercise adaptations in the equine athlete: current evidence and future directions." Equine Veterinary Journal. 53 (3), pp. 431-450. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13320

Exercise training increases telomerase reverse transcriptase gene expression and telomerase activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Denham, Joshua and Sellami, Maha. 2021. "Exercise training increases telomerase reverse transcriptase gene expression and telomerase activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Ageing Research Reviews. 70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2021.101411

Regular, intense exercise training as a healthy aging lifestyle strategy: preventing DNA damage, telomere shortening and adverse DNA methylation changes over a lifetime

Sellami, Maha, Bragazzi, Nicola, Prince, Mohammad Shoaib, Denham, Joshua and Elrayess, Mohamed. 2021. "Regular, intense exercise training as a healthy aging lifestyle strategy: preventing DNA damage, telomere shortening and adverse DNA methylation changes over a lifetime." Frontiers in Genetics. 12, pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2021.652497

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Sodium Bicarbonate Administration and Equine Running Performance: Is it Time to Stop Horsing Around With Baking Soda?

Denham, Joshua and Hulme, Adam. 2020. "A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Sodium Bicarbonate Administration and Equine Running Performance: Is it Time to Stop Horsing Around With Baking Soda?" Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 95, pp. 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103281

Emerging roles of extracellular vesicles in the intercellular communication for exercise-induced adaptations

Denham, Josh and Spencer, Sarah J.. 2020. "Emerging roles of extracellular vesicles in the intercellular communication for exercise-induced adaptations." American Journal of Physiology: Endocrinology and Metabolism. 319 (2), pp. E320-E329. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00215.2020

Telomere regulation: lessons learnt from mice and men, potential opportunities in horses

Denham, Josh. 2020. "Telomere regulation: lessons learnt from mice and men, potential opportunities in horses." Animal Genetics. 51 (1), pp. 3-13. https://doi.org/10.1111/age.12870

Aerobic capacity and telomere length in human skeletal muscle and leukocytes across the lifespan

Hiam, Danielle, Smith, Cassandra, Voisin, Sarah, Denham, Josh, Yan, Xu, Landen, Shanie, Jacques, Macsue, Alvarez-Romero, Javier, Garnham, Andrew, Woessner, Mary N., Herrmann, Markus, Duque, Gustavo, Levinger, Itamar and Eynon, Nir. 2020. "Aerobic capacity and telomere length in human skeletal muscle and leukocytes across the lifespan." Aging. 12 (1), pp. 359-369. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.102627

The association between sperm telomere length, cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise training in humans

Denham, Joshua. 2019. "The association between sperm telomere length, cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise training in humans." Biomedical journal. 42 (6), pp. 430-433. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bj.2019.07.003

Age-associated telomere shortening in Thoroughbred horses

Denham, Joshua, Stevenson, Kim and Denham, Michele M.. 2019. "Age-associated telomere shortening in Thoroughbred horses." Experimental Gerontology. 127, pp. 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2019.110718

Effects of Acute and Chronic Exercise on Immunological Parameters in the Elderly Aged: Can Physical Activity Counteract the Effects of Aging?

Sellami, Maha, Gasmi, Maha, Denham, Joshua, Hayes, Lawrence D., Stratton, Dan, Padulo, Johnny and Bragazzi, Nicola. 2018. "Effects of Acute and Chronic Exercise on Immunological Parameters in the Elderly Aged: Can Physical Activity Counteract the Effects of Aging?" Frontiers in Immunology. 9, pp. 1-17. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2018.02187

Leukocyte telomere length in the Thoroughbred racehorse

Denham, Josh and Denham, Michele M.. 2018. "Leukocyte telomere length in the Thoroughbred racehorse." Animal Genetics. 49 (5), pp. 452-456. https://doi.org/10.1111/age.12681

Time-restricted feeding influences immune responses without compromising muscle performance in older men

Gasmi, Maha, Sellami, Maha, Denham, Joshua, Padulo, Johnny, Kuvacic, Goran, Selmi, Walid and Khalifa, Riadh. 2018. "Time-restricted feeding influences immune responses without compromising muscle performance in older men." Nutrition. 51-52, pp. 20-37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2017.12.014

microRNAs in High and Low Responders to Resistance Training in Breast Cancer Survivors

Hagstrom, Amanda D. and Denham, Joshua. 2018. "microRNAs in High and Low Responders to Resistance Training in Breast Cancer Survivors." International Journal of Sports Medicine. 39 (6), pp. 482-489. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-0592-7691

Small non-coding RNAs are altered by short-term sprint interval training in men

Denham, Joshua, Gray, Adrian J., Scott-Hamilton, John, Hagstrom, Amanda D. and Murphy, Aron J.. 2018. "Small non-coding RNAs are altered by short-term sprint interval training in men." Physiological Reports. 6 (7), pp. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.13653

The Effect of Resistance Training on Telomere Length in Women Recovering from Breast Cancer

Hagstrom, Amanda D. and Denham, Joshua. 2018. "The Effect of Resistance Training on Telomere Length in Women Recovering from Breast Cancer." Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 3 (1), pp. 1-7. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk3010009

Exercise and epigenetic inheritance of disease risk

Denham, Joshua. 2018. "Exercise and epigenetic inheritance of disease risk." Acta Physiologica. 222 (1), pp. 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1111/apha.12881

Sprint Interval Training Decreases Circulating MicroRNAs Important for Muscle Development

Denham, Joshua, Gray, Adrian, Scott-Hamilton, John and Hagstrom, Amanda D.. 2018. "Sprint Interval Training Decreases Circulating MicroRNAs Important for Muscle Development." International Journal of Sports Medicine. 39 (1), pp. 67-72. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-120763

Lack of association between PBMC telomere length and endurance exercise

Denham, Joshua. 2017. "Lack of association between PBMC telomere length and endurance exercise." Journal of Applied Biomedicine. 15 (1), pp. 9-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jab.2016.09.004

Muscle-Enriched MicroRNAs Isolated from Whole Blood Are Regulated by Exercise and Are Potential Biomarkers of Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Denham, Joshua and Prestes, Priscilla R.. 2016. "Muscle-Enriched MicroRNAs Isolated from Whole Blood Are Regulated by Exercise and Are Potential Biomarkers of Cardiorespiratory Fitness." Frontiers in Genetics. 7, pp. 1-8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2016.00196

Telomere Length Maintenance and Cardio-Metabolic Disease Prevention Through Exercise Training

Denham, Joshua, O'Brien, Brendan J. and Charchar, Fadi J.. 2016. "Telomere Length Maintenance and Cardio-Metabolic Disease Prevention Through Exercise Training." Sports Medicine. 46 (9), pp. 1213-1237. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0482-4

Aortic augmentation index in endurance athletes: a role for cardiorespiratory fitness

Denham, Joshua, Brown, Nicholas J., Tomaszewski, Maciej, Williams, Bryan, O'Brien, Brendan J. and Charchar, Fadi J.. 2016. "Aortic augmentation index in endurance athletes: a role for cardiorespiratory fitness." European Journal of Applied Physiology. 116 (8), pp. 1537-1544. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-016-3407-x

Epigenetic changes in leukocytes after 8 weeks of resistance exercise training

Denham, Joshua, Marques, Francine Z., Bruns, Emma L., O'Brien, Brendan J. and Charchar, Fadi J.. 2016. "Epigenetic changes in leukocytes after 8 weeks of resistance exercise training." European Journal of Applied Physiology. 116 (6), pp. 1245-1253. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-016-3382-2

Increased expression of telomere-regulating genes in endurance athletes with long leukocyte telomeres

Denham, Joshua, O'Brien, Brendan J., Prestes, Priscilla R., Brown, Nicholas J. and Charchar, Fadi J.. 2016. "Increased expression of telomere-regulating genes in endurance athletes with long leukocyte telomeres." Journal of Applied Physiology. 120 (2), pp. 148-158. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00587.2015

Four weeks of sprint interval training improves 5-km run performance

Denham, Joshua, Feros, Simon A and O'Brien, Brendan J.. 2015. "Four weeks of sprint interval training improves 5-km run performance." Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 29 (8), pp. 2137-2141. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000862

Genome-wide sperm DNA methylation changes after 3 months of exercise training in humans

Denham, Josh, O'Brien, Brendan J, Harvey, Jack T and Charchar, Fadi J. 2015. "Genome-wide sperm DNA methylation changes after 3 months of exercise training in humans." Epigenomics. 7 (5). https://doi.org/10.2217/epi.15.29

Changes in the leukocyte methylome and its effect on cardiovascular-related genes after exercise

Denham, Joshua, O'Brien, Brendan J., Marques, Francine Z. and Charchar, Fadi J.. 2015. "Changes in the leukocyte methylome and its effect on cardiovascular-related genes after exercise." Journal of Applied Physiology. 118 (4), pp. 475-488. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00878.2014

Leukocyte telomere length variation due to DNA extraction method

Denham, Joshua, Marques, Francine Z and Charchar, Fadi J. 2014. "Leukocyte telomere length variation due to DNA extraction method." BMC Research Notes. 7. https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-7-877

Exercise: putting action into our epigenome

Denham, Josh, Marques, Francine Z., O'Brien, Brendan J. and Charchar, Fadi J.. 2014. "Exercise: putting action into our epigenome." Sports Medicine. 44 (2), pp. 189-209. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0114-1

Longer leukocyte telomeres are associated with ultra-endurance exercise independent of cardiovascular risk factors

Denham, Joshua, Nelson, Christopher P., O'Brien, Brendan J., Nankervis, Scott A., Denniff, Matthew, Harvey, Jack T., Marques, Francine Z., Codd, Veryan, Zukowska-Szczechowska, Ewa, Samani, Nilesh J., Tomaszewski, Maciej and Charchar, Fadi J.. 2013. "Longer leukocyte telomeres are associated with ultra-endurance exercise independent of cardiovascular risk factors." PLoS One. 8 (7). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0069377