Anouska Carter BSc, MSc and PhD, Principal researcher and lead of PAWPH research group
Principal Researcher and Lead Physical Activity, Wellbeing and Public Health Research Group
Summary
Anouska is a Principal Researcher in the PAWPH research group (previously CSES), and a co-locator at the AWRC. Anouska has worked within the research centre for over 15 years; becoming group lead for the PAWPH research group in September 2019. Anouska's is an exercise physiologist, with interests in exercise for the treatment and management of neurological conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis and lifestyle interventions in the workplace to improve health outcomes. The team in PAWPH are dedicated to conducting impactful research and consultancy that support people to lead healthy, happy and active lives.
About
Dr Anouska Carter leads the Physical Activity, Wellbeing and Public Health Research Group (PAWPH). Anouska has worked within the research centre for over 15 years; completing her PhD part-time in early 2016 and become a principal researcher in 2016. Anouska's PhD was based on the ExIMS research project, funded by the MS Society and was the first robust research project to include behaviour change and health economics in the area of exercise and MS. Anouska has developed a research and consultancy profile across two main areas; • Exercise for chronic conditions - Neurology (Multiple Sclerosis) • Workplace wellbeing - lifestyle changes for prevention of and management of ill health Anouska has been PI and Co-I on many high profile projects at SHU over the years, including the NHS Workforce wellbeing programme, funded by the AHSN and the Exercise in MS (ExIMS) research project funded by the MS Society. In addition Anouska set-up and runs the SHUWellness staff wellbeing service at SHU. Recently Anouska has been involved in securing funding and acting as Co-I and PI on projects including; • Sheffield City Council - Evaluation of Start Well programme • Innovate UK - SME Wellbeing proof of concept project • Sport England - Q project • MS Society - Use of Exoskeleton for increasing exercise participation in people with MS • GM Moving - Realist evaluation • Various SIP wellbeing/heathy lifestyle and evaluation projects In addition Anouska is has submitted an impact case study for MS (based on ExIMS research).
Research
Research into the effects of exercise upon health related quality of life and immune function in persons diagnosed with mild to moderate multiple sclerosis (MS)
Delivery and operational management of the SHU Wellness sessions (a corporate wellness service offered to employees at the University)
Work for the Sports Council of Northern Ireland, evaluating the physiological impact of their community sport programme
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, MS Society
Publications
Journal articles
Carter, A.M., Humphreys, L., Beswick, A., Kesterton, S., Bugg, A., & Platts, K. (2025). The acceptability of a novel seismocardiography device for measuring VO 2 max in a workplace setting: a mixed methods approach. BMC Public Health, 25 (1). http://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21480-6
Platts, K., Scott, E., Griffiths, K., & Carter, A. (2024). Attitudes to and perceptions of workplace health promotion amongst employees from ethnic minorities in the UK: A scoping review. Work, 79 (1), 289-305. http://doi.org/10.3233/wor-230576
Humphreys, L., Carter, A., Sharrack, B., & Copeland, R. (2022). High-intensity interval training in people with mild multiple sclerosis: a mixed-methods feasibility study. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 29 (5). http://doi.org/10.12968/ijtr.2021.0073
Woodward, A., Broom, D., Harrop, D., Lahart, I., Carter, A., Dalton, C., ... Klonizakis, M. (2019). The effects of physical exercise on cardiometabolic outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome not taking the oral contraceptive pill: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, 18 (2), 597-612. http://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-019-00425-y
Woodward, A., Klonizakis, M., Lahart, I., Carter, A., Dalton, C., Metwally, M., & Broom, D. (2019). The effects of exercise on cardiometabolic outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome not taking the oral contraceptive pill: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Systematic Reviews, 8 (1). http://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-019-1030-8
Quirk, H., Crank, H., Carter, A., Leahy, H., & Copeland, R. (2018). Barriers and facilitators to implementing workplace health and wellbeing services in the NHS from the perspective of senior leaders and wellbeing practitioners: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health, 18, 1362. http://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-6283-y
Holden, D.W., Gold, J., Hawkes, C.H., Giovannoni, G., Saxton, J.M., Carter, A., & Sharrack, B. (2018). Epstein Barr virus shedding in multiple sclerosis: similar frequencies of EBV in saliva across separate patient cohorts. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 25, 197-199. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2018.07.041
Crank, H., Carter, A., Humphreys, L., Snowdon, N., Daley, A., Woodroofe, N., ... Saxton, J.M. (2017). A qualitative investigation of exercise perceptions and experiences in people with multiple sclerosis before, during and after participation in a personally-tailored exercise program. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 98 (12), 2520-2525. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2017.05.022
Flint, S., Scaife, R., Kesterton, S., Humphreys, L., Copeland, R., Crank, H., ... Carter, A. (2016). Sheffield Hallam Staff Wellness Service: four year follow-up of the impact on health indicators. Perspectives in Public Health, 136 (5), 295-301. http://doi.org/10.1177/1757913916630009
Bourke, L., Smith, D., Steed, L., Hooper, R., Carter, A., Catto, J., ... Rosario, D.J. (2015). Exercise for men with prostate cancer : a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Urology, 69 (4), 693-703. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2015.10.047
Carter, A., Humphreys, L., Snowdon, N., Sharrack, B., Daley, A., Petty, J., ... Saxton, J. (2015). Participant recruitment into a randomised controlled trial of exercise therapy for people with multiple sclerosis. Trials, 16 (1). http://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-015-0996-3
Carter, A., Daley, A., Humphreys, L., Snowdon, N., Woodroofe, N., Petty, J., ... Saxton, J. (2014). Pragmatic intervention for increasing self-directed exercise behaviour and improving important health outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis : a randomised controlled trial. Multiple Sclerosis, 20 (8), 1112-1122. http://doi.org/10.1177/1352458513519354
Kesterton, S., Till, S., Carter, A., Scaife, R., Humphreys, L., Breckon, J., ... Maynard, I. (2014). Effect of a pilot NHS worksite health promotion programme on staff health and cost savings, Sheffield, 2012. European Journal of Public Health, 24 (suppl2). http://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cku151.122
Tosh, J., Dixon, S., Carter, A., Daley, A., Petty, J., Roalfe, A., ... Saxton, J.M. (2014). Cost effectiveness of a pragmatic exercise intervention (EXIMS) for people with multiple sclerosis : economic evaluation of a randomised controlled trial. Multiple Sclerosis, 20 (8), 1123-1130. http://doi.org/10.1177/1352458513515958
Carter, A.M., Daley, A.J., Kesterton, S.W., Woodroofe, N., Saxton, J.M., & Sharrack, B. (2013). Pragmatic exercise intervention in people with mild to moderate multiple sclerosis: A randomised controlled feasibility study. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 35 (2), 40-47. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2013.04.003
Saxton, J., Carter, A., Daley, A.J., Snowdon, N., Woodroofe, N., Petty, J., ... Sharrack, B. (2013). Pragmatic exercise intervention for people with multiple sclerosis (ExIMS Trial) : study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 34 (2), 205-211. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2012.10.011
Jones, A.M., & McConnell, A.M. (1999). Effect of exercise modality on oxygen uptake kinetics during heavy exercise. European journal of applied physiology and occupational physiology, 80 (3), 213-219. http://doi.org/10.1007/s004210050584
Conference papers
Carter, A. (2024). Effect of pain-level on exercise pain response to exercise for people with multiple sclerosis: sub-analysis from ExIMS. In ISPAH, Paris, France, 28 October 2024 - 2024.
Saxton, J.M. (2013). Pragmatic exercise for people with MS: a randomised control trial. In ACTRIMS, Orlando, USA, 29 May 2013 - 1 June 2013 (pp. 10). Int J MS Care
Carter, A. Impact of a pragmatic exercise intervention on quality of life and physical activity in people with mild to moderate multiple sclerosis: a feasibility study. In 26th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis, Stockholm, Sweden.
Carter, A. Impact of a pragmatic exercise intervention on quality of life and physical activity in people with mild to moderate multiple sclerosis: a feasibility study. In 26th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis, Stockholm, Sweden.
Book chapters
Carter, A., Humphreys, L., & Sharrack, B. (2017). Exercise in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. In Watson, R.R., & Killgore, W.D.S. (Eds.) Nutrition and lifestyle in neurological autoimmune diseases. Multiple sclerosis. (pp. 179-187). London: Academic Press: http://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-805298-3.00018-9
Reports
Carter, A., & Platts, K. (2025). What works for wellbeing: a narrative review of blue-collar workers in the private sector.
Carter, A., Carter, E., Bugg, A., & Humphreys, L. (2024). Covid Insights Summary Report.
Carter, A., Carter, E., Bugg, A., & Humphreys, L. (2024). Covid Insights Summary Report.
Carter, A., Humphreys, L., Bugg, A., & Copeland, R. (2024). Interim Evaluation Report For the Strategic Impact Areas of Workforce Wellbeing and Living Well, NHS Charities Together.
Carter, A., Humphreys, L., Bugg, A., & Copeland, R. (2024). Interim Evaluation Report For the Strategic Impact Areas of Workforce Wellbeing and Living Well, NHS Charities Together.
Carter, A., & Young, R. (2023). Acceptability of using the NIQAMA chair during in the UK workplace.
Carter, A., & Maden-Wilkinson, T. (2023). ‘What could an ‘executive health assessment’ that offers alternative screening options such as DNA, nutrition, and mental health look like?’.
Carter, A., Humphreys, L., Bugg, A., Beswick, A., Kesterton, S., & Platts, K. (2023). Acceptability of using the Ventriject Seismofit® system during workforce health screening: A qualitative approach.
Carter, A., Platts, K., Scott, E., & Griffith, K. (2022). Attitudes to and perceptions of workplace health promotion amongst employees from ethnic minorities in the UK: A scoping review.
Carter, A., & Copeland, R. (2022). Pilot Evaluation Report (Leading through health and wellbeing course.
Carter, A., & Copeland, R. (2022). Pilot Evaluation Report (Leading through health and wellbeing course.
Carter, A., & Breckon, J. (2021). Feasibility of 60- and 30-minute lifestyle behaviour change interventions designed to improve employee health and productivity in SME's (Proof of Concept Project Report: 33004).
Carter, A., & Gregory, M. (2020). Evaluation and Monitoring Report, Kings Active Foundation.
Carter, A., & Gregory, M. (2020). Evaluation and Monitoring Report, Kings Active Foundation.
Carter, A., & Fowler-Davis, S. (2020). Workforce Wellbeing: facilitated workshop report, joined up care Derbyshire NHS.
Carter, A., & Scaife, R. (2019). Start Well Sheffield, Evaluation Report.
Carter, A., & Scaife, R. (2018). Workforce wellness pilot study; Impact evaluation report.
Carter, A., & Scaife, R. (2018). Fan Fit Programme Evaluation.
Carter, A., Copeland, R., Quirk, H., & Crank, H. (2017). Barriers and facilitators to implementing workplace health and wellbeing programmes; the perceptions of NHS senior leaders and practitioners in Yorkshire.
Carter, A., Copeland, R., Quirk, H., & Crank, H. (2017). Barriers and facilitators to implementing workplace health and wellbeing programmes; the perceptions of NHS senior leaders and practitioners in Yorkshire.
Carter, A., Kesterton, S., Flint, S., & Frith, G. (2016). The provision of a research evaluation: Myzone pilot intervention (PH0083).
Carter, A., Kesterton, S., Flint, S., & Frith, G. (2016). The provision of a research evaluation: Myzone pilot intervention (PH0083).
Carter, A., & Maynard, I. (2016). YH-AHSN Health and Wellbeing Programme, SHUWellness Project Report: Year 2 and 3 - 2014/16.
Carter, A., Humphreys, L., & Breckon, J. (2015). Models of excellence literature reviews, Final report: Physical activity in people with MS.
Carter, A., Humphreys, L., & Breckon, J. (2015). Models of excellence literature reviews, Final report: Physical activity in people with MS.
Carter, A., Maynard, I., & Scaife, R. (2014). YH-AHSN: NHS Workforce Wellness Service Evaluation Report: Year 1.
Carter, A., Maynard, I., & Scaife, R. (2014). YH-AHSN: NHS Workforce Wellness Service Evaluation Report: Year 1.
Carter, A., Maynard, I., Kesterton, S., & Scaife, R. (2012). Workplace Wellness Feasibility Study: Evaluation Report.
Carter, A., Maynard, I., Kesterton, S., & Scaife, R. (2012). Workplace Wellness Feasibility Study: Evaluation Report.
Theses / Dissertations
Humphreys, L. (2023). Exploration of the Physical Activity Guidelines for People with Multiple Sclerosis. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Copeland, R., Carter, A., & Sharrack, B. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00537
Humphreys, L. (2023). Exploration of the Physical Activity Guidelines for People with Multiple Sclerosis. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Copeland, R., Carter, A., & Sharrack, B. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00537
Carter, A.M. (2015). The effects of a pragmatic exercise intervention in people with multiple sclerosis. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Winter, E.
Internet Publications
Carter, A. (2024). Gut. Microbiome, lifestyle behaviours and Multiple Sclerosis (Blog).
Copeland, R.J., Flint, S., Nevill, A., Wheat, J., Breckon, K., Maynard, I., ... Stevens, H. (2020). A tribute to Professor Edward Winter. http://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/ndctk
Media
Westfield Health, (2024). The Modern Manager: How to support employee wellbeing across a dynamic workforce. [Webinar]. Westfield Health
Westfield Health, (2019). Impact of Health and wellbeing and the importance of organisational culture on employee productivity and performance. [Webinar].
Presentations
Carter, A. (2025). Exercises and Physical Activity for Adults with Long-term Neurological Condition: Benefits, Type of Exercises, Evidence, and Barriers. Presented at: UK Neurology consultants and trainee registrar's training, STH, Sheffield
Carter, A., Young, R., Nair, S., & Mahnaz, A. (2024). Exoskeleton training compared with gym-based exercise for people with moderate to severe MS disability: a feasibility study. Presented at: MS PPIE group, Sheffield
Carter, A., & Lowe, F. (2016). The science behind and effective wellness session. Presented at: Elevate UK, Olympia, London
Carter, A. (2015). Implementing cost-effectiveinterventions to improve health outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis. Presented at: Elevate UK, London
Carter, A., Crank, H., Humphreys, L., snowdon, N., Sharrack, B., Petty, J., ... Saxton, J. (2014). Experiences of exercise in people with mild to moderate multiple sclerosis: a qualitative study. Presented at: BASES Conference, St Georges Park, Burton-on-Trent, UK
Carter, A., & Snowdon, N. (2014). Exercise in MS: The ExIMS Trial. Presented at: Physiotherapy UK Conference, Birmingham, UK
Carter, A., & Humphreys, L. (2012). Sheffield Exercise Trial: Research and practical tips. Presented at: MS Life Event, Manchester, UK
Carter, A. (2011). Effects of a pragmatic exercise therapy intervention in people with multiple sclerosis: Sheffield ExIMS trial. Presented at: Neuroinflamation forum, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust
Carter, A., Daley, A., Green, S., Saxton, J., Woodroofe, N., & Sharrack, B. (2010). Conducting a pragmatic exercise therapy intervention for people with MS: Sheffield ExIMS Trial (Invited oral presentation). Presented at: Symposium at The Society for Research in Rehabilitation (SRR) Conference, SHU, Sheffield
Carter, A., & Humphreys, L. (2010). Exercise and Multiple Sclerosis (Workshop). Presented at: Exercise and MS: Living with MS day, Leeds, UK
Crank, H., Hembrough, D., Kirschbaum, M., & Hardy, D. (2010). The group cohesion factor of a dragon boat race training programme following treatment for breast cancer in the UK. Presented at: Conference, International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Posters
Carter, A., Kudiersky, N., Barker, L., Dalton, C., & Kesterton, S. (2025). Carter, A., Kudiersky, N., Barker, L., Dalton, C., Gill, S., Sharrack, B., Nair, S., & Kesterton, S. (2025). Feasibility, acceptability and safety of a 12-week probiotic intervention for people with Multiple Sclerosis: A mixed-methods single-arm trial. Poster presented at the MS Trust Conference, United Kingdom. Presented at: MS Trust Annual Conference, Hinckley
Carter, A. (2024). The SHUWellness workplace wellbeing programme. Presented at: Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber Strategic Advisory Board, Canon Medical Arena, Sheffield, UK
Bugg, A., Maden-Wilkinson, T., Carter, A., Humphreys, H., & Nichols, S. (2023). A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Prevalence of Poor Sarcopenia Specific Quality of Life in Mid-Life Adults. Presented at: International Sarcopenia Translational Research Conference, Newcastle University, 2023
Humphreys, L., & Carter, A. (2019). Perspectives of people with MS following participation in a high intensity trial. Presented at: MS Frontiers, Bath
Humphreys, L., & Carter, A. (2019). Perspectives of people with MS following participation in a high intensity trial. Presented at: MS Frontiers, Bath
Other publications
Carter, A., & Humphreys, L. (2022). Improving health outcomes for people with multiple sclerosis through exercise. Research Excellence Framework 2021: https://results2021.ref.ac.uk/impact/2ee1d03e-06c5-4ecd-b319-4c2661555c65?page=1
Postgraduate supervision
Liam Humphreys, Amie Woodward