Academic Appointments

Mar 2010
Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ

Mar 2010
Honorary Visiting Research Fellow, Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S10 2BP

Jul 2006 - Mar 2010
Reader in Clinical Exercise Physiology. Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S10 2BP

Mar 2004 - Jul 2006
Principal Research Fellow (Exercise Physiology), Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S10 2BP

Feb 2000 - Feb 2004
Senior Research Fellow (Exercise Physiology), Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S10 2BP

Jan 1999- Feb 2000
Senior Research Physiologist, Health and Safety Laboratory, Broad Lane, Sheffield S37HQ

Dec 1995 - Jan 1999
Lecturer B, Institute of Sports Medicine and Exercise Science, University of Sheffield, 23 Claremont Crescent, Sheffield S10 2TA

Oct 1994 - Dec 1995
Lecturer, School of Biological and Molecular Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Gipsy Lane Campus, Headington, Oxford OX3 OBP

• Associate Dean for Enterprise and Engagement, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UEA (2010-2012).
• Director of Learning and Teaching Quality (Postgraduate Research), School of Rehabilitation Sciences, UEA (2011- present).

Further publications

Invited review papers          

Tew GA, Saxton JM, Hodges GJ (2012). Exercise training and the control of skin blood flow in older adults. J Nutr Health Aging 16, 237-241.

Saxton JM (2006). Diet, physical activity and energy balance and their impact on breast and prostate cancers. Nutrition Research Reviews 19, 197-215.

Invited book Chapters

Brouke L, Saxton JM (2011). Colorectal, breast and prostate cancer. In Exercise and chronic disease: an evidence-based approach (Edited by Saxton JM). Routledge, Oxon 2011, pp 364-380.

Saxton JM (2010). Exercise and cancer mortality. In Exercise and cancer survivorship: impact on health outcomes and quality of life (Edited by Saxton JM & Daley AJ). Springer, New York, pp 189-210.

Saxton JM (2006). Special populations:Testing older people. In: Sport and Exercise Physiology Testing Guidelines: Volume 1: Sport Testing. Edited by Winter EM, Jones AM, Davidson R, Bromley P, Mercer T. Taylor & Francis, Oxford, Chapter 39, pp 334-346.      

Saxton JM, Cable T. (2006). Clinical Exercise physiology: Peripheral circulatory disorders. In: Sport and Exercise Physiology Testing Guidelines: Volume 2: Exercise and Clinical Testing. Edited by Winter EM, Jones AM, Davidson R, Bromley P, Mercer T. Taylor & Francis, Oxford, Chapter 18, pp 169-178.

Saxton JM (2006). Special populations: Testing older people. In: Sport and Exercise Physiology Testing Guidelines: Volume 2: Exercise and Clinical Testing. Edited by Winter EM, Jones AM, Davidson R, Bromley P, Mercer T. Taylor & Francis, Oxford, Chapter 23, pp 224-236.

Saxton JM (2005). Leucocyte adhesion molecule expression in health and cardiovascular disease: what is the significance of changes induced by acute bouts of exercise? In: Trends in Exercise and Health Research. Edited by Swan RL. Nova Science Publishers, Inc., New York, USA. pp 187-221.

Saxton JM (2000). Acute and chronic health effects of hand-arm vibration.  In: Legislation for noise and vibration: enforcement, compliance, and benefits.  ImechE Seminar Publication, pp 7-10.  Professional Engineering Publishing, London.

Book Editorship

Saxton JM, Daley AJ (2010). Exercise and cancer survivorship: impact on health outcomes and quality of life (Edited by Saxton JM, Daley AJ). Springer, New York.

This book explores the impact of physically active lifestyle on health outcomes that are highly relevant to cancer patients at all stages of the cancer experience. Twelve active and eminent researchers or research groups in this field from the USA, Canada and Europe present an up-to-date synthesis of the scientific evidence.

Saxton JM (2011). Exercise and chronic disease: an evidence-based approach (Edited by Saxton JM). Routledge, Oxford.

John Saxton graduated from Loughborough University in 1990 before embarking upon PhD research in skeletal muscle physiology at the University of Wolverhampton and University of Massachusetts at Amherst, USA . Following a period of post-doctoral work, he undertook lectureships at Oxford Brookes University and the University of Sheffield, before working as a research physiologist in Health and Safety Executive research laboratories in Sheffield. He then spent 10 years at Sheffield Hallam University, where he led the Active Health Research Group and was Principal Investigator for several randomised controlled exercise trials with clinical populations, including cardiovascular disease and cancer patients. In March 2010, he was appointed to the position of Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology at UEA.

Professor Saxton’s research is focused on the role of exercise and other lifestyle factors in the prevention and management of age-related chronic conditions. Specific research questions that his research aims to address include: how can we optimise exercise therapy (frequency, intensity, time and type) to bring the greatest health or therapeutic benefits?  In those with long-term conditions, what is the role of exercise in disease modification? Why do some patients respond/adapt differently to exercise training? What are the contra-indications to exercise in different clinical groups? He has worked with several clinical populations, including cancer patients and survivors, patients with peripheral vascular disease, chronic heart failure and multiple sclerosis. As Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator, his research has been supported by the British Heart Foundation, Heart Research UK, Cancer Research UK, the American Institute for Cancer Research, the Health and Safety Executive, the Food Standards Agency and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

In 2010, he was the lead editor of a book entitled “Exercise and cancer survivorship: impact on health outcomes and quality of life”, published by Springer Scientific, New York and in 2011 was the sole editor of a second book entitled “Exercise and chronic disease: an evidence-based approach”, published by Routledge, UK. His published clinical intervention studies have helped to build a solid evidence-base to support the use of exercise in the management of many age-related long-term conditions.

Research Grants/Funding

Funded research projects

UK Multiple Sclerosis Society (March 2009 – March 2012): The effects of a pragmatic exercise therapy intervention on physical activity and important health outcomes influencing maintenance in people with multiple sclerosis (Principal Investigator). The major aim of this study was to investigate whether a pragmatic exercise intervention is effective for evoking improvements in physical activity behaviour and, as a consequence, health outcomes likely to influence maintenance in people with multiple sclerosis. This was a collaboration between Sheffield Hallam University, the Academic Neurology Unit at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and the University of Birmingham. 

American Institute for Cancer Research (February  2006 – February 2009): The effect of a lifestyle intervention on body weight, psychological health status and risk factors associated with disease recurrence in women recovering from breast cancer treatment (Principal Investigator). The major aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a practical lifestyle intervention for overweight or obese women (BMI > 25) who had undergone breast cancer treatment, on body weight, indices of psychological well-being, biomarkers associated with disease recurrence and physiological health status and quality of life. This was a collaboration between Sheffield Hallam University, University of Sheffield at the Weston Park Hospital and the Universities of Birmingham and Glasgow. 

Heart Research UK (July 2006 – July 2010): Testosterone as an adjunct to exercise rehabilitation: effects on exercise capacity, inflammatory markers and quality of life in hypogonadal males with chronic heart failure (Principal Investigator). The major aim of this study was to examine the effects of testosterone therapy, as an adjunct to exercise rehabilitation, on functional fitness, skeletal muscle/cardiac function, circulating inflammatory mediators and disease-specific quality of life in hypogonadal males with chronic heart failure. This was a collaboration between Sheffield Hallam University and the Department of Cardiology, University of Sheffield at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.

Food Standards Agency (October 2005 – October 2008): Effect of a dietary intervention on functional immune status in the elderly (Co-Investigator). The major aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a food-based intervention and micronutrient supplement intervention on the functioning of circulating immune cells in the elderly.

British Heart Foundation (November 2005 – May 2006): The effects of upper- and lower-limb exercise training on biomarkers of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk in intermittent claudication (Principal Investigator). The major aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different exercise training programmes on circulating soluble adhesion molecules and inflammatory markers in patients with peripheral vascular disease. This was a collaboration between Sheffield Hallam University, the Sheffield Vascular Institute, Northern General Hospital and the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Sheffield.

Cancer Research UK (October 2002 - October 2005): The effects of exercise therapy upon quality of life in female breast cancer survivors ((Co-Investigator). The major aim of this study was to examine the effects of exercise therapy on measures of physical fitness, psychological well-being and quality of life in breast cancer survivors.  This was a collaboration between Sheffield Hallam University, Weston Park Hospital and Glasgow University. 

British Heart Foundation (September 2000 - September 2004): A comparison of upper limb and lower limb exercise training in patients with intermittent claudication (Co-Investigator). The major aim of this study was to compare the effects of different exercise training programmes on symptomatic improvements and quality of life in patients with peripheral vascular disease. This was a collaboration between Sheffield Hallam University, the Sheffield Vascular Institute, Northern General Hospital and the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Sheffield.

Health and Safety Executive (September 2002 - September 2004): The effects of extreme thermal environments on the risks associated with manual handling tasks (Principal Investigator). The major aim of this study was to examine the effects of adverse environmental conditions (high heat, high humidity, and cold) on physiological responses and the health & safety risks arising from performance of whole-body manual handling tasks.  This was a collaboration between Sheffield Hallam University and the Health & Safety Laboratory, an agency of the Health & Safety Executive.

Consensus Meetings and Expert Panels

• Breast Cancer Campaign Research Gap Analysis 2012. Invited expert for the Breast Cancer Prevention Working Group. Breast Cancer Campaign Head Office, Clinton Street, London, October 31, 2012.
• Multiple Sclerosis International Federation Consensus Meeting 2012 (Invited expert): Core outcome measures for exercise studies in multiple sclerosis. University of Glasgow, February 14-15, 2012.
• UK Physical Activity Guidelines Consensus Meeting (invited expert): Coordinated and funded by representatives from the Departments of Health in the home country Governments and the British Heart Foundation National Centre on Physical Activity and Health. Crown Plaza Hotel, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, October 21-22, 2009.
• 'Physical activity in the prevention of cancer'. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Consensus Statement Conference: Physical Activity in the Prevention of Chronic Disease (invited presenter and Expert Panel member). Brunel University, Middlesex, April 24, 2007.

Professor Saxton has extensive teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate level and has a strong commitment to people development, including the nurturing of up and coming researchers. He has supervised seven PhD students to completion and is currently supervising five PhD students, two at Sheffield Hallam University and three at the University of East Anglia.

Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching experience

Oxford Brookes University

At Oxford Brookes University, he taught on the undergraduate degree programmes in Sport and Exercise Science and Nursing. Lectures and practical sessions focused on fundamental human physiology topics and the physiological responses to acute and chronic exercise.

University of Sheffield

At the University of Sheffield, he was module leader for the ‘Physiology of Exercise’ and ‘Introductory Biomechanics’ modules of the Master’s level course in Sport and Exercise Science. The ‘Physiology of Exercise’ module included lectures and practical workshops on the musculoskeletal & neuromuscular system, cardiopulmonary function and performance, high intensity exercise, and immune responses to exercise.

Sheffield Hallam University

At Sheffield Hallam University, he was module leader for the ‘Physical Activity in Disease Prevention and Rehabilitation’ module of the MSc course in Physical Activity for Health that was launched in September 2003. He had a major role in the design of this module, which covered the pathophysiology of chronic disease conditions and evidence for the impact of appropriately designed physical activity programmes on risk reduction and alleviation of symptoms/improvements in quality of life. This module was closely aligned with the programme of clinical exercise science research being undertaken. He also delivered skeletal muscle physiology and peripheral arterial disease lectures on the M.Sc. in Sport and Exercise Science course and was involved in the supervision of postgraduate level projects at Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield.

University of East Anglia

At the University of East Anglia, he lectures to undergraduate and pre-registration Masters students of Physiotherapy within the School of Rehabilitation Sciences. These lectures cover clinical exercise physiology topics and skeletal muscle physiology. In addition, he is frequently invited to lecture to undergraduate and Masters level students, and to research groups at University departments around the UK and internationally.

PhD Supervision

Professor Saxton’s research portfolio encompasses projects that are focused on the role of exercise and other lifestyle factors in the prevention and management of age-related chronic conditions. PhD programmes aim to address specific research questions, such as:

What is the role of exercise in ameliorating the risk of age-related chronic conditions, including cancer?

How can exercise therapy be optimised (frequency, intensity, time and type) to bring the greatest health and therapeutic benefits for those with age-related chronic conditions and cancer? 

What is the role of exercise in primary or secondary disease risk modification?

Why do some patients respond/adapt differently to exercise training?

What are the contra-indications to exercise in different clinical groups?

Projects involve several clinical populations, including cancer patients and survivors, patients with peripheral vascular disease, chronic heart failure and multiple sclerosis.

PhD completions

• Irena Zwierska: A comparison of upper-limb and lower-limb exercise training in elderly patients with intermittent claudication. Director of Studies. PhD awarded 2005 by Sheffield Hallam University.
• Andrew Davies: The effects of extreme thermal environments on the risks associated with manual handling tasks. Director of Studies. PhD awarded 2006 by Sheffield Hallam University.
• Stephen Hodgson: Proximal humerus fracture rehabilitation in the elderly. Co-Supervisor. PhD awarded 2006 by Sheffield Hallam University.
• Helen Crank: The effects of exercise therapy upon quality of life in female breast cancer survivors. Co-Supervisor. PhD awarded 2007 by Sheffield Hallam University.
• Borja Sanudo Corrales: Comparative effect of two exercise programs on quality of life and functional ability in women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. Co-Supervisor. PhD awarded 2009 by University of Seville, Spain.
• Garry Tew: Physiological effects of exercise training in elderly patients with peripheral vascular disease. Director of Studies. PhD awarded 2009 by Sheffield Hallam University.
• Liam Bourke: The effects of a lifestyle intervention on health outcomes in elderly prostate and colorectal cancer patients. Director of Studies. PhD awarded 2010 by Sheffield Hallam University.

MD completion

• Shah Nawaz: Exercise studies in intermittent claudication. Co-Supervisor. Doctor of Medicine awarded 2001 by the University of Sheffield.

Current PhD supervision at Sheffield Hallam University

• Martin Stout: Testosterone as an adjunct to exercise rehabilitation: effects on exercise capacity, inflammatory markers and quality of life in elderly hypogonadal males with chronic heart failure. Director of Studies. July 2007 –
• Anouska Carter: The effects of a pragmatic exercise therapy intervention on physical activity and important health outcomes influencing maintenance in people with multiple sclerosis. Director of Studies. January 2009-

Current PhD supervision at the University of East Anglia

• Liane Lewis: Self-determination theory as a model for evoking sustained changes in physical activity behaviour in men and women enrolled on the NHS Bowel Screening Programme in Norfolk. Director of Studies. October 2011 –
• Barnabus Shaw: The effects of a pragmatic exercise intervention on bowel health in men and women enrolled on the NHS Bowel Screening Programme in Norfolk: studies of epigenetic markers in colon epithelial tissue, leukocytes and buccal cells. Director of Studies. October 2011 –
• Kelly Semper: A qualitative analysis of the perceived health benefits resulting from engaging in a physical activity intervention following bowel cancer screening in Norfolk. Director of Studies. October 2011 –

Current MD supervision at the University of East Anglia

• Srijit Banerjee: Preoperative Exercise Protocol to Aid Recovery (PREPARE) after Radical Cystectomy. Director of Studies. July 2012 –
• Wilphard Ndjavera: Should Urologists assess cardiovascular risk of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer patients and can exercise therapy improve outcomes? Director of Studies. September 2012 –