Dr Nigel Stepto

BSc (Hons), MSc (Cape Town, South Africa), BScMed (Hons) (Cape Town, South Africa), PhD (RMIT)

Lecturer - Department of Physiology

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Background

Qualifications

BSc, BSc (hons), MSc in Marine Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa (1990-1997).
BSc Med (Hons) in Sports Science, University of Cape Town, South Africa (1997).
PhD in Exercise Metabolism, RMIT University, Australia (1999-2002).

Experience

On completion of his PhD Dr Nigel Stepto was appointed as a post-doctoral researcher at the Centre for Women’s Health Research in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University.  This involved studying molecular mechanisms of uterine disease in humans, using primary cell cultures and/or uterine tissue, and he was exposed to a number of new and innovative techniques like real time RT-PCR, gene micro-array studies and new protein analysis techniques.  During this time he maintained an active interest in exercise physiology by working at the Monash University Fitness Centre and teaching in the PHY3072 Muscle and Exercise course in the Department of Physiology Monash University.

This experience in combination with his PhD studies has allowed the development of his current research interests and collaborations in sports, exercise and health.

Teaching

Course convener of PHY3072 Muscle and Exercise. 
This unit provides an introduction to the study of muscle and exercise physiology.  The emphasis will be on the physiological responses to exercise and some physiological adaptations to training.  The unit focuses on energy supply and utilization, muscle properties as related to function and performance, cardio-respiratory responses to exercise, endocrine responses, exercise training principles and exercise and its relationship to disease states and aging.

Honours Projects for 2005
1. Insulin signaling response in primary human skeletal muscle cultures.
2. Molecular profiling of skeletal muscle response to 10 days of intense cycle training.
3. Effects of oral contraception and menstrual cycle on exercise metabolism in inactive women.

PhD Project 2005
The role of resistance and endurance exercise in management and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS):  Mechanisms of action.

Research Interests

• Molecular profiling of training response in skeletal muscle.
• Altitude and performance.
• Training strategies for enhanced endurance performance.
• Exercise in Women’s Health – How does exercise help in the management and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Monash Sports and Physical Activity Research Network

Nigel’s role is as the Executive Officer for the development of a research network focusing on Monash University’s strengths in sport and physical activity research inclusive of all departments and faculties of the university. 

These researchers were brought together at the first workshop held on the 14th and 15th July 2004 at the Bayview Conference Centre.  The guest speakers included Dr D Hatcher (Australian Institute of Sport), Mr D. Elgin (Para-Olympian) and Mr V. Raleigh (Monash High Performance Swimming).  Link to Sports Workshop.

Research Group

Muscle and Exercise Research Group.

Keywords

Exercise training, Sports, Women’s health, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Insulin resistance, Molecular profiling, Skeletal muscle, Sports Research Network.

Recent Publications

McConell GK, Berg R, Chen Z-P, Stepto NK, Stephens TJ, Huyhn H, Canny BJ, Kemp BJ.  Short-term exercise training reduces AMPK signalling during moderate intensity exercise independent of muscle glycogen content.  (submitted).

Stepto NK, Greenway K, Hawley JA.  Evaluation of anthropmetric and DEXA techniques for estimating thigh muscle mass in trained cyclists.  (submitted).

Yu M., Stepto NK, Fryer LDG, Chibalin AV, Carling D, Krook A, Hawley JA, Zierath JR.  (2003)  Metabolic and mitogenic signal transduction in human skeletal muscle after intense cycling exercise. Journal of Physiology, 546.2, 327-335.  http://jp.physoc.org/cgi/content/full/546/2/327

Stepto NK, Carey AL, Staudacher HM, Cummings NK, Burke LM, Hawley JA.  (2002)  Effects of short-term fat adaptation on training responses in ultra-endurance athletes.  Medicine, Science of Sports and Exercise, 34, 449-455.

Carey AL, Staudacher HM, Cummings NK, Stepto NK, Nikolopolous V, Burke LM, Hawley JA.  (2001)  Effects of fat adaptation and carbohydrate restoration on metabolism and performance during ultra-endurance exercise.  Journal of Applied Physiology, 91, 115–122.  http://jap.physiology.org/cgi/content/full/91/1/115

Hawley JA, Stepto NK.  (2001)  Adaptations to training in endurance-trained cyclists.  Sports Medicine, 31(7), 511-520.

Stepto NK, Martin DT, Fallon KE, Hawley JA.  (2001)  High metabolic demands of intense aerobic interval training in competitive endurance cyclists.  Medicine, Science of Sports and Exercise, 33 (2), 303–310.

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