Kevin Jacobs joined the faculty at the University of Miami in 2004. He completed his Masters in applied exercise physiology at San Diego State University in 1993 and worked as a research physiologist at the Naval Health Research Center in San Diego until 1995. He earned his Ph.D. in exercise physiology from The Ohio State University in 2000 and completed a four-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley and the Palo Alto VA Health Care System.
His research focus is human metabolism and more specifically the ways in which factors such as exercise intensity, nutritional status, training status, gender, age, menstrual cycle phase, and environment alter substrate (carbohydrate, fat, and protein) use at rest and during exercise. His research involves basic measurements such as the analysis of respiratory gas exchange and concentrations of various blood metabolites and hormones to more complex measurements of substrate turnover by stable isotope infusion and analysis. The results of his research not only further basic science, but are also applied to improving our understanding of the etiology of metabolic diseases such as obesity and non-insulin-dependent diabetes and developing more effective lifestyle interventions to prevent and treat these diseases. His research has involved men and women of various ages and levels of fitness as subjects that have been studied in environments as varied as a standard laboratory at sea level to a high-altitude research station at Pikes Peak, Colorado (14,100 ft. elevation).
While at the University of Miami, Dr. Jacobs and his students have investigated many topics including the metabolic effects of spinal cord injury, pharmacological and ischemic preconditioning effects on cardiovascular hemodynamics and exercise performance at simulated moderate and high altitudes, and pre-exercise sprints and glycemic control in type 1 diabetics during prolonged exercise.
Currently, Drs. Kevin Jacobs, David McMillan (KIN doctoral graduate and current postdoctoral fellow at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis), and Mark Nash are studying the effects of spinal cord injury on fat metabolism in response to feeding and exercise. This work will improve our understanding of disordered fat metabolism in this population, as well as the effectiveness of exercise in preventing excessive body fat accumulation. The ultimate goal of this translational work is to guide the development of innovative rehabilitation strategies aimed at improving the quality of life of this population. With funding from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, investigators are testing adult men with chronic paraplegia, tetraplegia, and age-matched control subjects without spinal cord injury. The effects of spinal cord injury and an acute bout of upper body exercise on use of fats stored in the body as well as those from a recently ingested meal will be examined using novel stable isotope tracer methods and frequent blood and breath sampling.
Publications
Books and Monographs Published:
Sherman WM, Jacobs KA, and Ferrara C. Nutritional strategies to optimize athletic performance. In: Handbook of Exercise in Diabetes. Ruderman N, Devlin JT, and Schneider SH (Eds.). Alexandria: American Diabetes Association, 2002, pp. 339-354.
Jacobs KA, Paul DR, and Sherman WM. Fat metabolism. In: Exercise and Sport Science. Garrett, Jr. WE and Kirkendall DT (Eds.). New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1999, pp. 9-18.
Sherman W, Jacobs K, and Leenders N. Carbohydrate metabolism during endurance exercise. In: Overtraining In Sport: Physiological, Psychological, and Biomedical Considerations. Kreider RB, Fry AC, and O’Toole ML (Eds.). Champaign: Human Kinetics, 1998, pp. 289-307.
Juried or Refereed Journal Articles and Exhibitions:
McMillan DW, Henderson GC, Nash MS, Jacobs KA. Effect of paraplegia on the time course of exogenous fatty acid incorporation into the plasma triacylglycerol pool in the postprandial state. Frontiers in Physiology 12, 2021.
McMillan DW, Kressler J, Jacobs KA, Nash MS. Substrate metabolism during recovery from circuit resistance exercise in persons with spinal cord injury. European Journal of Applied Physiology, Online ahead of print, March 2021.
McMillan DW, Maher JL, Jacobs KA, Nash MS, Bilzon JLJ. Physiological responses to moderate intensity continuous and high intensity interval exercise in persons with paraplegia. Spinal Cord 59: 26-33, 2021.
McMillan DW, Maher JL, Jacobs KA, Nash MS, Gater DR. Exercise interventions targeting obesity in persons with spinal cord injury. Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation 27:109-120, 2021.
Potiaumpai M, Cutrono S, Medina T, Koeppel M, Pirl WF, Jacobs KA, Eltoukhy M, Signorile JF. Multidirectional walking in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 53: 258-266, 2021.
McMillan DW, Maher JL, Jacobs KA, Mendez AJ, Nash MS, Bilzon JLJ. Effects of exercise mode on postprandial metabolism in humans with chronic paraplegia. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Online ahead of print, December 2020.
Seeley AD, Jacobs KA, Signorile JF. Acute soy supplementation improves 20-km time trial performance, power, and speed. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 52: 170-177, 2020.
Buskard ANL, Jacobs KA, Eltoukhy MM, Strand KL, Villanueva L, Desai PP, Signorile JF. Optimal approach to load progressions during strength training in older adults. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 51: 2224-2233, 2019.
McMillan DW, Maher JL, Jacobs KA, Mendez AJ, Nash MS, Bilzon JLJ. Influence of upper-body continuous, resistance or high-intensity interval training (CRIT) on postprandial responses in persons with spinal cord injury: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 20: 497, 2019.
Roberson KB, Signorile JF, Singer C, Jacobs KA, Eltoukhy M, Ruta N, Mazzei N, Buskard A. Hemodynamic responses to an exercise stress test in Parkinson’s disease patients without orthostatic intolerance. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism 44: 751-758, 2019.
Bailey CH, Signorile JF, Perry AC, Jacobs KA, Myers ND. Beta-alanine does not enhance the effects of resistance training in older adults. Journal of Dietary Supplements 15: 860-870, 2018.
Roberson KB, Potiaumpai M, Widdowson K, Jaghab A, Chowdhari S, Armitage C, Seeley AD, Jacobs KA, Signorile JF. Effects of high-velocity circuit resistance and treadmill training on cardiometabolic risk, blood markers, and quality of life in older adults. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism 43: 822-832, 2018.
Balachandran AT, Gandia K, Jacobs KA, Streiner DL, Eltoukhy M, Signorile JF. Power training using pneumatic machines vs. plate-loaded machines to improve muscle power in older adults. Experimental Gerontology 98: 134-142, 2017.
Meyers AC, Caldwell EC, Hirsch J, Jacobs KA, Pohlig RT, Signorile JF. Orthotic bicycle insoles show no effects on leg muscle activation patterns or performance in recreational cyclists. Footwear Science 1-9: July 2017.
Roberson KB, Jacobs KA, White MJ, Signorile JF. Loads and movement speed affect energy expenditure during circuit resistance exercise. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism 42: 637-646, 2017.
Cutrono SE, Lewis JE, Perry A, Signorile J, Tiozzo E, Jacobs KA. The effect of a community-based exercise program on inflammation, metabolic risk, and fitness levels among persons living with HIV/AIDS. AIDS and Behavior 20: 1123-1131, 2016.
Hittinger EA, Maher JL, Nash MS, Perry AC, Signorile JF, Kressler J, Jacobs KA. Ischemic preconditioning does not improve peak exercise capacity at sea level or simulated high altitude in trained male cyclists. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism 40: 65-71, 2015.
Kressler J, Jacobs KA, Burns P, Betancourt L, Nash MS. Effect of circuit resistance training and timely protein supplementation on exercise-induced fat oxidation in tetraplegic adults. Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation 20: 113-122, 2014.
Serravite DH, Perry A, Jacobs KA, Adams JA, Harriell K, Signorile JF. Effect of whole-body periodic acceleration on exercise-induced muscle damage after eccentric exercise. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance 9: 985-992, 2014.
Vance DD, Chen GL, Stoutenberg M, Myerburg RJ, Jacobs K, Nathanson L, Perry A, Seo D, Goldschmidt-Clermont PJ, Rampersaud E. Cardiac performance, biomarkers and gene expression studies in previously sedentary men participating in half marathon training. BMC Sports Science, Medicine, and Rehabilitation 19, 2014.
Jacobs KA, Burns P, Kressler J, and Nash MS. Heavy reliance on carbohydrate across a wide range of exercise intensities during voluntary arm ergometry in persons with paraplegia. Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine 36: 427-435, 2013.
Lisman P, Signorile JF, Del Rossi G, Asfour S, Eltoukhy M, Stambolian D, and Jacobs KA. Investigation of the effects of cervical strength training on neck strength, EMG, and head kinematics during a football tackle. International Journal of Sports Science and Engineering, 6: 131-140, 2012.
Stoutenberg M, Kressler J, Chen GL, Perry AC, Meyerburg RJ, Mendez AJ, Signorile JF, Arheart KL, Lewis JE, Jacobs KA. Aerobic training does not alter CRP concentrations in apparently healthy, untrained men. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 52: 53-62, 2012.
Jacobs KA, Kressler J, Stoutenberg M, Roos BA, Friedlander AL. Sildenafil has little influence on cardiovascular hemodynamics or 6-km time trial performance in trained men or women at simulated high altitude. High Altitude Medicine and Biology 12: 215-222, 2011.
Kressler J, Stoutenberg M, Roos BA, Friedlander AL, Perry AC, Signorile JF, Jacobs KA. Sildenafil does not improve steady state cardiovascular hemodynamics, peak power, or 15-km time trial cycling performance at simulated moderate or high altitudes in men and women. European Journal of Applied Physiology 111: 3031-3040, 2011.
Musto A, Jacobs K, Nash M, Del Rossi G, and Perry A. The effects of an incremental approach to 10,000 steps a day on metabolic syndrome components in sedentary overweight women. Journal of Physical Activity and Health 7: 737-745, 2010.
Adams JA, Edwards D, Serravite D, Bedient AM, Huntsman E, Jacobs KA, Del Rossi G, Roos BA, and Signorile JF. Optimal frequency, displacement, duration, and recovery patterns to maximize power output following acute whole-body vibration. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 23: 237-245, 2009.
Friedlander AL, Jacobs KA, Fattor JA, Horning MA, Hagobian TA, Bauer TA, Wolfel EE, and Brooks GA. Contributions of working muscle to whole body lipid metabolism are altered by exercise intensity and training. American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism 292: E107-E116, 2007.
Suh SH, Paik IY, and Jacobs KA. Regulation of blood glucose homeostasis during exercise. Molecules and Cells 23: 272-279, 2007.
Wallis GA, Friedlander AL, Jacobs KA, Horning MA, Fattor JA, Wolfel EE, Lopaschuk GD, and Brooks GA. Substantial working muscle glycerol turnover during two-legged cycle ergometry. American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism 293: E950-E957, 2007.
Hagobian TA, Jacobs KA, Subudhi AW, Fattor JA, Rock PB, Muza SR, Fulco CS, Braun B, Grediagin A, Mazzeo RS, Cymerman A, and Friedlander AL. Cytokine response at high altitude: effects of exercise and antioxidants at 4,300 m. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 38: 276-285, 2006.
Jacobs KA, Krauss RM, Fattor JA, Horning MA, Friedlander AL, Bauer TA, Hagobian TA, Wolfel EE, and Brooks GA. Endurance training has little effect on active muscle fatty acid, lipoprotein cholesterol, or triglyceride net balances. American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism 291: E656-E665, 2006.
Subudhi AW, Jacobs KA, Hagobian TA, Fattor JA, Muza SR, Fulco CS, Cymerman A, and Friedlander AL. Changes in ventilatory threshold at high altitude: effect of antioxidants. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 38: 1425-1431, 2006.
Fattor JA, Miller BF, Jacobs KA, and Brooks GA. Catecholamine response is attenuated during moderate intensity exercise in response to the “lactate clamp”. American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism 288: E143-147, 2005.
Hsu AR, Hagobian TA, Jacobs KA, Attallah H, and Friedlander AL. Effects of heat removal through the hand on metabolism and performance during cycling in the heat. Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology 30: 87-104, 2005.
Jacobs KA, Casazza GA, Suh SH, Horning MA, and Brooks GA. Fatty acid re-esterification but not oxidation is increased by oral contraceptive use. Journal of Applied Physiology 98: 1720-1731, 2005.
Miller BF, Lindinger MI, Fattor JA, Jacobs KA, LeBlanc PJ, Duong M, Heigenhauser GJF, and Brooks GA. Hematological and acid-base changes in men during prolonged exercise with and without sodium-lactate infusion. Journal of Applied Physiology 98: 856-865, 2005.
Casazza GA, Jacobs KA, Suh SH, Miller BF, Horning MA, and Brooks GA. Menstrual cycle phase and oral contraceptive effects on triglyceride mobilization during exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology 97: 302-309, 2004.
Hagobian TA, Jacobs KA, Kiratli BJ, and Friedlander AL. Foot cooling reduces exercise-induced hyperthermia in men with spinal cord injury. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 36: 411-417, 2004.
Jacobs KA, Paul DR, Geor RJ, Hinchcliff KW, Sams RA, and Sherman WM. Dietary composition influences short-term endurance training-induced adaptations of substrate partitioning during exercise. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism 14: 38-61, 2004.
Subudhi AW, Jacobs KA, Hagobian TA, Fattor JA, Fulco CS, Muza SR, Rock PB, Hoffman AR, Cymerman A, and Friedlander AL. Antioxidant supplementation does not attenuate oxidative stress at high altitude. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine 75: 881-888, 2004.
Paul DR, Jacobs KA, Geor RJ, Hinchcliff KW, and Lamb DR. No effect of pre-exercise meal on substrate metabolism and time trial performance during intense exercise. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism 13: 489-503, 2003.
Miller BF, Fattor JA, Jacobs KA, Horning MA, Suh SH, Navazio F, and Brooks GA. Metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses to “the lactate clamp". American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism 283: E889-E898, 2002.
Miller BF, Fattor JA, Jacobs KA, Horning MA, Navazio F, Lindinger MI, and Brooks GA. Lactate and glucose interactions during rest and exercise in men: effect of exogenous lactate infusion. Journal of Physiology 544: 963-975, 2002.
Paul DR, Mulroy SM, Horner JA, Jacobs KA, and Lamb DR. Carbohydrate-loading during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle: effects on muscle glycogen and exercise performance. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism 11: 430-442, 2001.
Jacobs KA, and Sherman WM. The efficacy of carbohydrate supplementation and chronic high-carbohydrate diets for improving endurance performance. International Journal of Sport Nutrition 9: 92-115, 1999.
Jacobs K, Nichols J, Holmes B, and Buono M. Isometric cervical extension strength of recreational and experienced cyclists. Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology 20:230-239, 1995.
