Dr Michael Nunns
Senior Research Fellow
M.P.Nunns@exeter.ac.uk
2399
+44 (0) 1392 722399
South Cloisters 3.09
South Cloisters, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
Overview
I am a systematic reviewer working within the Exeter Evidence Synthesis Group (Isca Evidence), one of nine research groups in the UK commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Evidence Synthesis Programme to address knowledge gaps or to answer a specific need for health, public health and social care audiences.
This group is nested withing ESMI, where I have worked within various teams since 2016. From 2020-2023 I worked for the Policy Research Programme Evidence Review Facility, and prior to that I worked within the Exeter HS&DR Evidence Synthesis Centre. In each group, we produce systematic reviews of evidence to answer or inform policy-related questions within the remit of health and social care in the UK.
Until January 2016, I worked in Sport & Health Sciences, with particular interest in the biomechanical mechanisms of lower limb injury. I was awarded my PhD in 2014, determining risk factors for the development of lower limb stress fractures in Royal Marines recruits. I worked as an Associate Lecturer in Sport & Health Sciences at the university for six years.
Research specialisms
My area of expertise is systematic reviews, including rapid reviews, quantitative synthesis (including meta analysis) and stakeholder/PPI involvement. I have also worked extensively on mixed methods and qualitative systematic reviews. I am interested in research which has the potential to make a positive change.
Qualifications
2014 - PhD (University of Exeter) – Biomechanical predictors of tibial and metatarsal stress fractures in Royal Marine recruits
2012 – Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
2007 – MSc (University of Exeter) – Sport and Health Sciences
2005 – BA (University of Durham) – Sport in the Community
Research group links
Research
Research interests
I am working as a systematic reviewer in the Isca Evidence team. Our team addresses pressing research questions to inform health and social care policy and practice in the UK, using a variety of systematic review methods.
My research interests are broad, and I am predominantly interested in work that can make a difference to service provision and quality of care. I am also interested in research into eczema and food allergies in infants, particularly cow's milk protein allergy, and I continue to work on projects in child mental health and sport and exercise science.
My background is in the biomechanical aspects of lower limb injury, having published papers on biomechanical and anthropometric factors influencing injury risk, and a model of metatarsal bending stress during gait.
Research projects
- May 2023 to date: Isca Evidence
- May 2021-October 2022: BEETLE project
- April 2020-May 2023: Exeter PRP Evidence Review Facility
- April 2017-April 2020: Exeter Health Services & Delivery Research Centre
- January 2016-April 2017: Improving the mental health of children and young people with long term conditions: Linked evidence syntheses
Grants
- April 2020: NIHR Health Services and Delivery Research Programme: Production of Rapid Reviews and Evidence Syntheses for the HS&DR Programme (£600k, Co-I)
- January 2017: Researcher-led Initiative Award. Seminar and workshop on narrative synthesis in quantitative systematic reviews (£1k, PI)
- May 2015: Open Innovation Award. The systematic development of minimalist footwear for a range of activities (£12k, PI)
Links
Publications
Journal articles
Rice HM, Nunns M, House C, Fallowfield J, Allsopp A, Dixon S (In Press). A narrow bimalleolar width is a risk factor for ankle inversion injury in male military recruits: a prospective study. Clinical Biomechanics
Shaw E, Nunns M, Briscoe S, Anderson R, Thompson Coon J (In Press). A ’Rapid Best-Fit’ model for framework synthesis: using research objectives to structure analysis within a rapid review of qualitative evidence. Research Synthesis Methods
Nunns M, Dixon SJ, Clarke J, carre M (In Press). Boot-insole effects on comfort and plantar loading at the heel and fifth metatarsal during running and turning in soccer. Journal of Sports Sciences
Parker K, Nunns M, Xiao Z, Ford T, Ukoumunne O (In Press). Characteristics and practices of school-based cluster randomised controlled trials for improving health outcomes in pupils in the UK: a methodological systematic review. BMC Medical Research Methodology
Moore D, Nunns M, Shaw L, Rogers M, Walker E, Ford T, Garside R, Ukoumunne O, Titman P, Shafran R, et al (In Press). Interventions to improve the mental health of children and young people with long-term physical conditions: Linked evidence syntheses. Health Technology Assessment
Parker K, Nunns M, Xiao Z, Ukoumunne O (In Press). Intra-cluster correlation coefficients for pupil health outcomes estimated from school-based cluster randomised trials. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
Briscoe S, Thompson Coon J, Melendez-Torres GJ, Abbott R, Shaw E, Nunns M, Garside R (In Press). Primary care clinicians’ perspectives on interacting with patients with gynaecological conditions or symptoms suggestive of gynaecological conditions: a scoping review of qualitative studies. NIHR web report Abstract.
Anderson R, Booth A, Eastwood A, Rodgers M, Shaw E, Thompson Coon J, Briscoe S, Cantrell A, Chambers D, Goyder E, et al (In Press). Synthesis for health services and policy: the craft and science of question formulation and scoping. Health Services and Delivery Research, TBC, 1-1. Abstract.
Parker K, Eddy S, Nunns M, Xiao Z, Ford T, Eldridge S, Ukoumunne O (In Press). Systematic review of the characteristics of school-based feasibility cluster randomised trials of interventions for improving the health of pupils in the United Kingdom. Pilot and Feasibility Studies
Shaw E, Briscoe S, Nunns M, Lawal H, Melendez-Torres GJ, Turner M, Garside R, Thompson Coon J (In Press). What is the quantity, quality and type of systematic review evidence available to inform the optimal prescribing of statins and antihypertensives? a systematic umbrella review and evidence and gap map. BMJ Open Abstract.
Kinsey D, Carrieri D, Briscoe S, Febrey S, Kneale D, Lovegrove C, Nunns M, Coon JT, McGrath J, Hemsley A, et al (2024). Experiences of interventions to reduce hospital stay for older adults following elective treatment: Qualitative evidence‐synthesis. International Journal of Older People Nursing, 19(2). Abstract.
Culverhouse J, Hillsdon M, Metcalf B, Nunns M, Lear R, Brailey G, Pulsford R (2023). Associations between device-measured physical activity and performance-based physical function outcomes in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Public Health, 1(1), e100000-e100000. Abstract.
Lear R, Metcalf B, Brailey G, Nunns M, Bond B, Hillsdon M, Pulsford R (2023). Associations of habitual physical activity and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity; a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. PLoS One, 18(4). Abstract. Author URL.
Shaw L, Nunns M, Briscoe S, Garside R, Turner M, Melendez-Torres GJ, Lawal HM, Coon JT (2023). Optimising the prescribing of drugs that may cause dependency: an evidence and gap map of systematic reviews. J Health Serv Res Policy, 28(4), 271-281. Abstract. Author URL.
Briscoe S, Thompson Coon J, Melendez-Torres GJ, Abbott R, Shaw L, Nunns M, Garside R (2023). Primary care clinicians’ perspectives on interacting with patients with gynaecological conditions: a systematic review. BJGP Open, BJGPO.2023.0133-BJGPO.2023.0133. Abstract.
Coon JT, Orr N, Shaw L, Hunt H, Garside R, Nunns M, Gröppel-Wegener A, Whear B (2022). Bursting out of our bubble: using creative techniques to communicate within the systematic review process and beyond. Systematic Reviews, 11(1). Abstract.
Ahuja L, Price A, Bramwell C, Briscoe S, Shaw L, Nunns M, O'Rourke G, Baron S, Anderson R (2022). Implementation of the Making Safeguarding Personal Approach to Strengths-based Adult Social Care: Systematic Review of Qualitative Research Evidence. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK, 52(8), 4640-4663. Author URL.
Parker K, Nunns M, Xiao Z, Ford T, Ukoumunne O (2021). Characteristics and practices of school-based cluster randomised controlled trials for improving health outcomes in pupils in the UK: a systematic review protocols. BMJ Open, 11
Walker E, Shaw E, Nunns M, Moore D, Thompson Coon J (2021). No evidence synthesis about me without me: Involving young people in the conduct and dissemination of a complex evidence synthesis. Health Expect, 24 Suppl 1(Suppl 1), 122-133. Abstract. Author URL.
Thompson G, Zhelev Z, Peters J, Khalid S, Briscoe S, Shaw L, Nunns M, Ludman S, Hyde C (2021). Symptom scores in the diagnosis of pediatric cow's milk protein allergy: a systematic review. Pediatr Allergy Immunol, 32(7), 1497-1507. Abstract. Author URL.
Malik H, Appelboam A, Nunns M (2021). Ultrasound-directed reduction of distal radius fractures in adults: a systematic review. Emergency Medicine Journal, 38(7), 537-542. Abstract.
Parker K, Eddy S, Nunns M, Xiao Z, Ford T, Eldridge S, Ukoumunne O (2020). Characteristics of school-based feasibility studies with a cluster randomised trial design: a systematic review. PROSPERO: International prospective register of systematic reviews
Nunns M, John JB, McGrath JS, Shaw L, Briscoe S, Thompson Coon J, Hemsley A, Lovegrove CJ, Thomas D, Mythen MG, et al (2020). Evaluating enhanced recovery after surgery: time to cover new ground and discover the missing patient voice. Perioperative Medicine, 9(1). Abstract.
Briscoe S, Nunns M, Shaw L (2020). How do Cochrane authors conduct web searching to identify studies? Findings from a cross‐sectional sample of Cochrane Reviews. Health Information & Libraries Journal, 37(4), 293-318. Abstract.
Westwood CS, Fallowfield JL, Delves SK, Nunns M, Ogden HB, Layden JD (2020). Individual risk factors associated with exertional heat illness: a systematic review. Experimental Physiology, 106(1), 191-199. Abstract.
Price A, Ahuja L, Bramwell C, Briscoe S, Shaw E, Nunns M, O'Rourke G, Baron S, Anderson R (2020). Research evidence on different strengths-based approaches within adult social work: a systematic review. HS&DR Evidence Synthesis Centre Topic Report (peer-reviewed), 1-157. Abstract.
Parker K, Nunns M, Xiao Z, Ford T, Ukoumunne OC (2020). Systematic review of the characteristics, design and analysis methods of school-based cluster randomised controlled trials for improving health outcomes in pupils in the UK. PROSPERO
John JB, Hemsley A, Nunns M, McGrath JS (2020). Time to make enhanced recovery after surgery the standard. British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 81(3), 1-4. Abstract.
Thompson Coon J, Gwernan‐Jones R, Garside R, Nunns M, Shaw L, Melendez‐Torres GJ, Moore D (2019). Developing methods for the overarching synthesis of quantitative and qualitative evidence: the interweave synthesis approach. Research Synthesis Methods, 11(4), 507-521. Abstract.
Shaw L, Moore D, Nunns M, Thompson Coon J, Ford T, Berry V, Walker E, Heyman I, Dickens C, Bennett S, et al (2019). Experiences of interventions aiming to improve the mental health and well-being of children and young people with a long-term physical condition: a systematic review and meta-ethnography. Child Care Health Dev, 45(6), 832-849. Abstract. Author URL.
Nunns MPI, Shaw L, Briscoe S, Thompson Coon J, Hemsley A, McGrath JS, Lovegrove CJ, Thomas D, Anderson R (2019). Multicomponent hospital-led interventions to reduce hospital stay for older adults following elective surgery: a systematic review. Health Services and Delivery Research, 7(40), 1-178.
Dixon S, Nunns M, House C, Rice H, Mostazir M, Stiles V, Davey T, Fallowfield J, Allsopp A (2019). Prospective study of biomechanical risk factors for second and third metatarsal stress fractures in military recruits. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 22(2), 135-139. Abstract.
Moore D, Russell A, Matthews J, Ford T, Rogers M, Ukoumunne O, Kneale D, Thompson Coon J, Sutcliffe K, Nunns M, et al (2018). Context and Implications Document for: School-based interventions for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review with multiple synthesis methods. Review of Education, 6
Nunns M, Mayhew D, Ford T, Rogers M, Curle C, Logan S, Moore D (2018). Effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions to reduce procedural anxiety in children and adolescents undergoing treatment for cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychooncology, 27(8), 1889-1899. Abstract. Author URL.
Shaw EH, Nunns MP, Briscoe S, Anderson R, Thompson Coon J (2018). Experiences of the ‘Nearest Relative’ provisions in the compulsory detention of people under the Mental Health Act: rapid systematic review. Health Services and Delivery Research
Moore D, Russell A, Matthews J, Ford T, Rogers M, Ukoumunne O, Kneale D, Thompson Coon J, Sutcliffe K, Nunns M, et al (2018). School‐based interventions for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review with multiple synthesis methods. Review of Education, 6
Muir D, Vat LE, Keller M, Bell T, Jørgensen CR, Eskildsen NB, Johnsen AT, Pandya-Wood R, Blackburn S, Day R, et al (2017). Abstracts from the NIHR INVOLVE Conference 2017. Research Involvement and Engagement, 3(Suppl 1).
Mayhew D, Nunns M, Moore D, Ford T (2017). Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Interventions to Reduce Procedural Anxiety in Children and Adolescents Undergoing Treatment for Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pediatric Oncall, 14(4).
Nunns M, Stiles V, Fulford J, Dixon S (2017). Estimated third metatarsal bending stresses are highly susceptible to variations in bone geometry. Footwear Science, 9(3), 127-137. Abstract.
Jie LJ, Goodwin V, Kleynen M, Braun S, Nunns M, Wilson MR (2016). Analogy learning in Parkinson’s; as easy as a walk on the beach: a proof-of-concept study. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation Abstract.
Nunns MPI, Dixon SJ, Clarke J, Carré M (2016). Boot-insole effects on comfort and plantar loading at the heel and fifth metatarsal during running and turning in soccer. J Sports Sci, 34(8), 730-737. Abstract. Author URL.
Nunns MP, House CM, Rice H, Mostazir M, Davey P, Stiles V, Fallowfield J, Allsopp A, Dixon SJ (2016). Four biomechanical and anthropometric measures predict tibial stress fracture:. A prospective study of 1065 Royal Marines. British Journal of Sports Medicine Abstract.
Moore IS, Pitt W, Nunns M, Dixon S (2014). Effects of a seven-week minimalist footwear transition programme on footstrike modality, pressure variables and loading rates. Footwear Science
Nunns M, House C, Fallowfield J, Allsopp A, Dixon S (2013). Biomechanical characteristics of barefoot footstrike modalities. J Biomech, 46(15), 2603-2610. Abstract. Author URL.
Rice H, Nunns M, House C, Fallowfield J, Allsopp A, Dixon S (2013). High medial plantar pressures during barefoot running are associated with increased risk of ankle inversion injury in Royal Marine recruits. Gait and Posture, 38(4), 614-618. Abstract.
Conferences
Briscoe S, Shaw E, Nunns M, Lawal H, Orr N, Thompson Coon J, Garside R, Melendez-Torres GJ (2023). Health inequalities were rarely considered in systematic reviews of risk factors for hearing loss: a cross-sectional analysis. Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Early Career Researcher Network Conference. 12th - 12th Jun 2023. Abstract.
Briscoe S, Shaw E, Nunns M, Lawal H, Orr N, Melendez-Torres GJ, Garside R, Thompson Coon J, Briscoe S (2023). Scoping and question refinement for systematic reviews commissioned by policy customers. Cochrane Colloquium. 4th - 6th Sep 2023. Abstract.
Price A, Ahuja L, Bramwell C, Briscoe S, Shaw L, Nunns M, O’Rouke G, Baron S, Anderson R (2021). P90 Implementation of strategies for fostering strengths-based adult social work in the UK: a systematic review of research evidence. SSM Annual Scientific Meeting.
Coon JT, Orr N, Shaw E, Nunns M, Whear R (2020). BURSTING OUT OF OUR BUBBLE: USING CREATIVE TECHNIQUES TO COMMUNICATE RESEARCH FINDINGS. Author URL.
Nunns M, Shaw L, Briscoe S, Thompson-Coon J, Hemsley A, McGrath JS, Lovegrove CJ, Thomas D, Anderson R (2019). REDUCING LENGTH OF HOSPITAL STAY FOR OLDER ELECTIVE SURGICAL INPATIENTS: FINDINGS OF a SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. Author URL.
Dixon S, Nunns M, TenBroek T (2015). Influence of increased shoe lateral stiffness on running biomechanics in older females.
Nunns M, Stiles V (2015). The influence of variable medial–lateral stiffness footwear on frontal plane kinematics and joint moments at the knee and ankle in healthy young males.
Nunns M, Stiles V (2015). The influence of variations in heel and forefoot midsole stiffness on sagittal plane kinematics and joint moments at the knee and ankle.
Nunns M, Rice H, House C, Fallowfield J, Allsopp A, Stiles V, Dixon S (2013). A prospective study identifying risk factors for tibial stress fracture in Royal Marine recruits: initial findings.
Dixon S, Nunns M, House C, Rice H, Stiles V (2013). Ankle joint kinematics influence risk of third metatarsal stress fracture in military recruits.
Nunns MPI, Stiles VH, Dixon SJ (2012). The effects of standard issue Royal Marine recruit footwear on risk factors associated with third metatarsal stress fractures.
Nunns M, Stiles V, Dixon S (2012). The effects of standard issue Royal Marine recruit footwear on risk factors associated with third metatarsal stress fractures. Abstract.
Dixon S, Nunns M, House C, Fallowfield J (2011). Does limited ankle dorsi-flexion increase forefoot loading during running in military recruits?.
Nunns M, Dixon SJ, Clarke J, Carré M (2009). Boot-insole effects on heel and fifth metatarsal loading for running and turning in soccer.
Reports
Shaw E, Lawal H, Briscoe S, Garside R, Thompson Coon J, Liabo K, Turner M, Nunns M, Melendez-Torres GJ (2023). Patient, Carer and Family Experiences of Seeking. Redress and Reconciliation Following a Life-Changing Event: Systematic Review of Qualitative. Evidence.
Briscoe S, Shaw E, Nunns M, Orr N, Thompson Coon J, Garside R, Melendez-Torres GJ (2023). What are the risk factors for hearing loss and how are they related to socio-economic inequalities? an annotated bibliography of systematic reviews. National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Policy Research Programme. 56 pages. Abstract.
Briscoe S, Thompson Coon J, Melendez-Torres GJ, Abbott R, Shaw E, Nunns M, Garside R (2022). Primary care clinicians’ perspectives on interacting with patients with gynaecological conditions or symptoms suggestive of gynaecological conditions: a scoping review of qualitative studies. National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Policy Research Programme. Abstract.
Briscoe S, Thompson Coon J, Melendez-Torres GJ, Abbott R, Shaw E, Nunns M, Garside R (2022). Primary care clinicians’ perspectives on interacting with patients with gynaecological conditions or symptoms suggestive of gynaecological conditions: a scoping review of qualitative studies. Abstract.
Shaw E, Nunns M, Spicer S, Lawal H, Briscoe S, Melendez-Torres GJ, Garside R, Liabo K, Thompson Coon J (2022). What multi-disciplinary delivery models for Occupational Health services are effective for whom? an umbrella review. NIHR Policy Research Programme. Abstract.
Thompson Coon J, Nunns M, Shaw E, Briscoe S, Liabo K, Garside R, Melendez-Torres GJ, turner M (2021). Optimising prescribing of drugs to prevent CVD and drugs that cause dependency: an evidence-gap map. Abstract.
Shaw E, Nunns M, Briscoe S, Anderson R, Thompson Coon J (2020). Evidence for specialist treatment of people with acquired brain injury in secure psychiatric services: systematic review and narrative synthesis., NIHR Health Services and Delivery Research Topic Report.
Price A, Ahuja L, Bramwell C, Briscoe S, Shaw L, Nunns M, O'Rourke G, Baron S, Anderson R (2020). Research evidence on different strengths-based approaches within adult social work: a systematic review., NIHR.
External Engagement and Impact
Awards/Honorary fellowships
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2012)
Committee/panel activities
Member of the Higher Education Academy.
Editorial board of International Journal of Older People Nursing.
Teaching
I have previously taught extensively in undergraduate (ESS1204/2004/2707/3805) and postgraduate (SHSM005) sport and exercise biomechanics within the department of Sport & Health Sciences.I have recently taught on the ASHR MSc programme and contributed to the undergraduate Translational Medical Science module.
Modules
2023/24
Information not currently available
