Dr Samuel Nyman

Biography

Dr Samuel Nyman joined the University of Winchester in August 2022 as Reader and Head of the Department of Psychology.

Samuel’s interest in applied health psychology research with older people began in 2003 with his postgraduate study at the University of Southampton (MSc, PhD). He then worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Reading on funded projects with older people (on emotional support needs of those with vision loss and technology to prevent falls and promote independence). From 2010-2022 he was at Bournemouth University as lecturer, senior lecturer, and then principal academic in psychology. At Bournemouth, he was honoured to have been a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Career Development Fellow (January 2016 - December 2018). During this externally-funded fellowship he was chief investigator for The TACIT Trial: TAi ChI for people with dementia, which tested the benefits of Tai Chi for people with dementia. Alongside he completed an MSc in Clinical Trials. He was then a NIHR Clinical Trials Fellow (January - August 2019) based in the Primary Care and Mental Health (PRIMENT) Clinical Trials Unit at UCL. Thereafter, Samuel took on several management and leadership roles at Bournemouth, culminating with being Head of the Clinical Research Unit that promoted and supported health and social care research in the region.

Samuel was lead editor for The Palgrave Handbook of Ageing and Physical Activity Promotion (2018, pp.758), which has had over 40,000 downloads. He was Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity (2020-22), an international and multidisciplinary peer-reviewed scientific journal. Samuel is currently a member of the NIHR Research for Patient Benefit - South East and Central Regional Advisory Committee (2023-).

Samuel has made several appearances on TV and radio and engaged the public with his research. In 2020, Samuel was invited to write an article for The Conversation on the health benefits of Tai Chi. The article has been read over 64,000 times and was the second most widely read article that year from a Bournemouth University academic. It was read across the US, Singapore, UK, and Malaysia, and republished in Channel News Asia and the National Interest.

In 2019, Samuel submitted evidence to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee: Ageing: Science, Technology and Healthy Living Inquiry (reference INQ0034). In response, he was invited as an expert witness before the House of Lords (evidence session 8). His contributions were cited several times in the final report submitted to government.

Areas of expertise

Samuel’s expertise is in applied health psychology with older people including people with dementia. More specifically, in the psychology of falls and their prevention, physical activity promotion, behaviour change techniques, and randomised controlled trials including the use of qualitative methods. His work is interdisciplinary and applies theory from health psychology and the psychology of ageing to the fields of geriatrics and gerontology.  

Publications

Edited book

Nyman, S. R., Barker, A., Haines, T., Horton, K., Musselwhite, C. B. A., Peeters, G., Victor, C. R., & Wolff, J. K. (Eds.). (2018). The Palgrave Handbook of Ageing and Physical Activity Promotion. London: Palgrave MacMillan (pp.758). DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-71291-8, eBook ISBN: 978-3-319-71291-8, Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-319-71290-1.

Journal articles

Nyman, S. R., Casey, C., & Greenwood, N. (in press). Hypothesis: Dementia diminishes interdependence in health and quality of life among spousal partners. Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders.

Bösch, V. D., Warner, L. M., Nyman, S. R., Haftenberger, J., Clarke, K., & Inauen, J. (2022). What do older adults think about when formulating implementation intentions for physical activity? Evidence from a qualitative study. British Journal of Health Psychology, published online 22 August, DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12621.

Powell, A., & Nyman, S. R. (2022). An exploration of system factors influencing older adults’ initial engagement with physical activity interventions. The Open Public Health Journal, 15, e1-9. DOI: 10.2174/18749445-v15-e221219-2022-147.

Duah-Owusu White, M., Kelly, F., Vassallo, M., & Nyman, S. R. (2022). Using a systems perspective to understand hospital falls among patients with dementia. Aging and Health Research, 2 (4), e100109. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ahr.2022.100109.

Fatt, L. C., Shahimi, N. H., Mat, S., Kioh, S. H., Khor, H. M., Saedon, N. I., Khaliddin, N., Khoo, S., Mazlan, M., Khoo, E. M., Zakaria, N. I., Nyman, S. R., Morgan, K., & Tan, Maw Pin. (in press). Differences in physical and mental health of older adults over the Covid-19 pandemic from face-to-face versus hybrid methods. Aging Medicine and Healthcare.

Duah-Owusu White, M., Kelly, F., Vassallo, M., & Nyman, S. R. (in press). Two factors that can increase the length of hospital stay in patients with dementia. Revista Española de Geriatría y Gerontología.

Shahimi, N. H., Goh, C.-H., Mat, S., Lim, R., Koh, V. C. A., Nyman, S. R., Tan, M. P., & Lim, E. (2022). Psychological status and physical performance are independently associated with autonomic function. BioMedical Engineering OnLine, 21, e29. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12938-022-00996-7.

Hicks, B., Karim, A., Jones, E., Burgin, M., Cutler, C., Tang, W., Thomas, S., & Nyman, S. R. (2022). Care home practitioners’ perceptions of the barriers and facilitators for using off-the-shelf gaming technology with people with dementia. Dementia: The International Journal of Social Research and Practice, Published online 15 April. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/14713012221085229.

Bibi, I., Polman, R., & Nyman, S. R. (2022). Reliability of the ICECAP-O quality of life scale with community dwelling people with dementia. Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, 8, 1-4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/23337214221086802.

Heward, M., Johnson, L., & Nyman, S. R. (2022). Evaluation of strategies to recruit and retain older people with dementia and their informal carers into a Tai Chi trial to improve balance and prevent falls. Journal of Frailty, Sarcopenia and Falls, 7 (1), 1-12. DOI: 10.22540/JFSF-07-001.

Adamczewska, N., & Nyman, S. R. (2022). Falls-efficacy as a multiple dimension construct: The role of post-traumatic symptoms. Aging and Mental Health, 26 (1), 92-99.

Warner, L. M., Fleig, L., Wolff, J. K., Keller, J., Schwarzer, R., Nyman, S. R., & Wurm, S. (2021). What makes implementation intentions (in)effective for physical activity among older adults? British Journal of Health Psychology. Published online 4 October, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12563.

Nyman, S. R., Casey, C., & Polman, R. (2021). Psychometric properties of the ICECAP-O quality of life measurement tool when self-reported by community-dwelling older people with mild and moderate dementia. Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders, 35 (4), 356-359.

Barrado-Martín, Y., Heward, M., Polman, R., & Nyman S. R. (2021). Adherence to the class-based component of a Tai Chi exercise intervention for people living with dementia and their informal carers. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 29 (5), 1-14.

Nyman, S. R. (2021). Tai Chi for the prevention of falls among older people: A critical analysis of the evidence. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 29 (2), 343-352.

Hicks, B., Innes, A., & Nyman, S. R. (2021). Experiences of rural life among community-dwelling older men with dementia and their implications for social inclusion. Dementia: The International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 20 (2), 444-463.

Williams, J., & Nyman, S. R. (2021). A secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial to investigate the effect of Tai Chi on the instrumented Timed Up and Go test in people with mild to moderate dementia. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 33 (8), 2175-2181.

Barrado-Martín, Y., Heward, M., Polman, R., & Nyman S. R. (2021). People living with dementia and their family carers’ adherence to home-based Tai Chi practice. Dementia: The International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 20 (5), 1586-1603.

Williams, J., & Nyman, S. R. (2021). Age moderates differences in performance on the instrumented timed up and go test between people with dementia and their informal carers. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 44 (3), E150-E157.

Whitty, E., Mansour, H., Aguirre, E., Palomo, M., Charlesworth, G., Ramjee, S., Poppe, M., Brodaty, H., Kales, H. C., Morgan-Trimmer, S., Nyman, S. R., Lang, I., Walters, K., Peterson, I., Wenborn, J., Minihane, A.-M., Ritchie, K., Huntley, J., Walker, Z., & Cooper, C. (2020). Efficacy of lifestyle and psychosocial interventions in reducing cognitive decline in older people: Systematic review. Ageing Research Reviews, 62, e101113. DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101113.

Adamczewska, N., Barrado-Martín, Y., Thomas, S., Thomas, P. W., Vassallo, M., & Nyman, S. R. (2020). Feasibility and accuracy of different methods for collecting data on falls among people with dementia. Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders, 34 (4), 362-365.

Hicks, B., Innes, A., & Nyman, S. R. (2020). Exploring the ‘active mechanisms’ for engaging rural-dwelling older men with dementia in a community technological initiative. Ageing & Society, 40 (9), 1906-1938.

Morris, R. L., Hill, K. D., Ackerman, I. L. Ayton, D., Arendts, G., Brand, C., Cameron, P., Etherton-Beer, C. D., Flicker, L., Hill, A.-M., Hunter, P., Lowthian, J. A., Morello, R., Nyman, S. R., Redfern, J., Smit, D. V., & Barker, A. L. (2019). A mixed methods process evaluation of a person-centred falls prevention program. BMC Health Services Research, 19, 906. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-4614-z.

Nyman, S. R., Ingram, W., Sanders, J., Thomas, P. W., Thomas, S., Vassallo, M., Raftery, J., Bibi, I., & Barrado-Martín, Y. (2019). Randomised controlled trial of the effect of Tai Chi on postural balance of people with dementia. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 14, 2017-2029. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S228931.

Barker, A., Cameron, P., Flicker, L., Arendts, G., Brand, C., Etherton-Beer, C., Forbes, A., Haines, T., Hill, A.-M., Hunter, P., Lowthian, J., Nyman, S. R., Redfern, J., Smit, D., Waldron, N., Boyle, E., MacDonald, E., Ayton, D., Morello, R., & Hill, K. (2019). A patient-centred program to prevent falls in older people presenting to the emergency department with a fall: A randomised controlled trial. PLoS Medicine, 16 (5), e1002807. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1002807.

Morello, R. M., Soh, S.-E., Behm, K., Egan, A., Ayton, D. R., Hill, K. D., Flicker, L., Etherton-Beer, C. D., Arendts, G., Waldron, N., Redfern, J., Haines, T., Lowthian, J. A., Nyman, S. R., Cameron, P., Fairhall, N., & Barker, A. L. (2019). Multifactorial falls prevention programmes for older adults presenting to the emergency department with a fall: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Injury Prevention, 25 (6), 557-564.

Nyman, S. R. (2019). Editorial: Which behaviour change techniques are effective in promoting physical activity among older people with dementia? A call for research into three underexplored avenues. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 27 (4), 441-445.

Barrado-Martín, Y., Heward, M., Polman, R., & Nyman, S. R. (2019). Acceptability of a dyadic Tai Chi intervention for older people living with dementia and their informal carers. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 27 (2), 166-183.

Williams, J. M., & Nyman, S. R. (2018). Association between the instrumented timed up and go test and cognitive function, fear of falling and quality of life in community dwelling people with dementia. Journal of Frailty, Sarcopenia and Falls, 3(4), 185-193.

Nyman, S. R., Hayward, C., Ingram, W., Thomas, P., Thomas, S., Vassallo, M., Raftery, J., Allen, H., & Barrado-Martín, Y. (2018). A randomised controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of Tai Chi alongside usual care with usual care alone on the postural balance of community-dwelling people with dementia: Protocol for The TACIT Trial (TAi ChI for people with dementia). BMC Geriatrics, 18, e263. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-018-0935-8.

Adamczewska, N., & Nyman, S. R. (2018). A new approach to fear of falls from connections with the post-traumatic stress disorder literature. Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, 4, 1-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2333721418796238.

Nyman, S. R., Adamczewska, N., & Howlett, N. (2018). Systematic review of behaviour change techniques to promote participation in physical activity among people with dementia. British Journal of Health Psychology, 23 (1), 148-170.

Nyman, S. R., Innes, A., & Heward, M. (2017). Social care and support needs of community-dwelling people with dementia and concurrent visual impairment. Aging and Mental Health, 21 (9), 961-967.

Nyman, S. R., & Szymczynska, P. (2016). Meaningful activities for improving the wellbeing of people with dementia: Beyond mere pleasure to meeting fundamental psychological needs. Perspectives in Public Health, 136 (2), 99-107.

Nyman, S. R., Goodwin, K., Kwasnicka, D., & Callaway, A. (2016). Increasing walking among older people: A test of behaviour change techniques using factorial randomised N-of-1 trials. Psychology & Health, 31 (3), 313-330.

Morris, R., Brand, C., Hill, K., Ayton, D., Redfern, J., Nyman, S. R., Lowthian, J., Hill, A.-M., Etherton-Beer, C., Flicker, L., Hunter, P., & Barker, A. (2016). RESPOND – A patient-centred programme to prevent secondary falls in older people presenting to the emergency department with a fall: Protocol for a mixed methods programme evaluation. Injury Prevention, 22 (2), 153-160.

Barker, A.L., Cameron, P.A., Hill, K.D., Flicker, L., Haines, T.P., Lowthian, J.A., Waldron, N., Arendts, G., Redfern, J., Forbes, A., Brand, C.A., Etherton-Beer, C.D., Hill, A.M., Hunter, P., Nyman, S.R., & Smit, D. (2015). RESPOND – A patient-centred program to prevent secondary falls in older people presenting to the emergency department with a fall: Protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial. Injury Prevention, 21 (e1), DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2014-041271.

Nyman, S. R., & Victor, C. R. (2014). Older people’s participation and engagement in falls prevention interventions: Comparing rates and settings. European Geriatric Medicine, 5 (1), 18-20.

Nyman, S. R., & Victor, C. R. (2014). Use of personal call alarms among community-dwelling older people. Ageing & Society, 34 (1), 67-89.

Nyman, S.R., Ballinger, C., Phillips, J.E., & Newton, R. (2013). Characteristics of outdoor falls among older people: A qualitative study. BMC Geriatrics, 13, e125.

Whitehead, S. H., Nyman, S. R., Broaders, F., Skelton, D. A., & Todd, C. J. (2012). The quality of English-language websites offering falls-prevention advice to older members of the public and their families. Health Informatics Journal, 18 (1), 50-65.

Nyman, S. R., & Victor, C. R. (2012). Older people’s participation in and engagement with falls prevention interventions in community settings: An augment to the Cochrane systematic review. Age and Ageing, 41 (1), 16-23.

Nyman, S. R., Dibb, B., Victor, C. R., & Gosney, M. A. (2012). Emotional well-being and adjustment to vision loss in later life: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. Disability and Rehabilitation, 34 (12), 971-981.

McCrindle, R. J., Williams, V. M., Victor, C. R., Harvey, A. P., Nyman, S. R., Barrett, J., Hogarth, H., Levene, P., Smith, R., Panek, P., Edelmayer, G., Mayer, P., Needham, P., & Floratos, N. (2011). Wearable device to assist independent living. International Journal on Disability and Human Development, 10 (4), 349-354.

Nyman, S. R., Hogarth, H. A., Ballinger, C., & Victor, C. R. (2011). Representations of old age in falls prevention websites: Implications for likely uptake of advice by older people. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74 (8), 366-374.

Nyman, S. R., & Victor, C. R. (2011). Older people’s recruitment, sustained participation, and adherence to falls prevention interventions in institutional settings: A supplement to the Cochrane systematic review. Age and Ageing, 40 (4), 430-436.

Nyman, S. R. (2011). Psychosocial issues in engaging older people with physical activity interventions for the prevention of falls. Canadian Journal on Aging, 30 (1), 45-55 [Part of a special section of five papers on falls prevention coordinated by S. R. Nyman].

Nyman, S. R., Gosney, M. A., & Victor, C. R. (2010). Psychosocial impact of visual impairment in working-age adults. British Journal of Ophthalmology, 94 (11), 1427-1431.

Nyman, S. R., Gosney, M. A., & Victor, C. R. (2010). Emotional well-being in people with sight loss: Lessons from the grey literature. British Journal of Visual Impairment, 28 (3), 175-203.

Nyman, S. R., & Yardley, L. (2009). Web-site-based tailored advice to promote strength and balance training: An experimental evaluation. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 17 (2), 210-222.

Nyman, S. R., & Yardley, L. (2009). Usability and acceptability of a website that provides tailored advice on falls prevention activities for older people. Health Informatics Journal, 15 (1), 27-39.

Nyman, S. R., & Ballinger, C. (2008). A review to explore how allied health professionals can improve uptake of and adherence to falls prevention interventions. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71 (4), 141-145.

Yardley, L., & Nyman, S. R. (2007). Internet provision of tailored advice on falls prevention activities for older people: A randomized controlled evaluation. Health Promotion International, 22 (2), 122-128.

Book chapters

Barrado-Martín, Y., Polman, R., Nyman, S. R. (2022). Tai Chi exercise to improve balance and prevent falls among older people with dementia. In J. Feehan, N. Tripodi, & V. Apostolopoulos & (Eds.), Exercise to prevent and manage chronic disease across the lifespan. London: Academic Press (pp. 363-372).

Nyman, S. R. (2018). A multidisciplinary approach to promoting physical activity among older people. In S. R. Nyman, A. Barker, T. Haines, K. Horton, C. B. A. Musselwhite, G. Peeters, C. R. Victor, & J. K. Wolff (Eds.). The Palgrave Handbook of Ageing and Physical Activity Promotion. London: Palgrave MacMillan (pp.1-19). DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-71291-8_1, eBook ISBN: 978-3-319-71291-8, Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-319-71290-1.

Nyman, S. R. (2012). Impaired vision: Psychosocial support. In M. A. Gosney, S. Conroy, & A. Harper (Eds.), Oxford desk reference geriatric medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press (pp. 348-349).

Nyman, S. R., & Oliver, D. (2010). Preventing falls and avoiding restraint. In R. Hughes (Ed.), Rights, risks and restraint-free care of older people (pp. 167-177). London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Editorials

Nyman, S. R. (2022). Tai Chi virtual special issue: Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, published online 1 September, DOI: 10.1123/japa.2022-0248.

Chodzko-Zajko, W., Rose, D. J., Whaley, D. E., Chilibeck, P. D., & Nyman, S. R. (2022). Journal of Aging and Physical Activity celebrates its 30th year with a virtual special issue: Reflections on the first 30 years from the editors. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 30 (1), 1-2.