Markus Ernst

Network

ORCID digital identifier

ORCID ID: 0000-0002-8604-4287

Projects

• Measuring headache and headache-related dysfunction in Swiss office workers / Project leader / completed
• Prevention and Intervention of Neck Pain in Swiss Office-Workers / Team member / completed
• Feasibility and cost description of intensive rehabilitation involving new technologies in patients with sub-acute stroke: A multicenter single arm trial of the Swiss RehabTech Initiative / Team member / completed
• Valedo Neck Therapy / Team member / completed
• Evaluation a of falls prevention programme / Team member / completed
• "Valeo Movement Lab": The portable movement laboratory measures movement quality of the lumbar spine. / Team member / completed

Publications

Articles in scientific journal, peer-reviewed

• Tharin, F. et al. (2026) 'Trunk-head coordination in chronic neck pain, reliability, influence of visual feedback, and relationship to patient-reported outcomes', Archives of Physiotherapy, 16(1), pp. 51–60. doi: 10.33393/aop.2026.3592.
• Marchenko, M. et al. (2025) 'Headache, not neck pain, primarily influences the extent of pain in the neck region in symptomatic office workers : cross-sectional and longitudinal evaluations', Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 42(5), pp. 689–699. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2025.2596179.
• Ernst, M. et al. (2025) 'Kopfschmerz zuverlässig screenen : Deutsche Version des Headache Screening Questionnaire', physiopraxis, 23(10), pp. 30–31. doi: 10.1055/a-2647-9036.
• Aegerter, A. et al. (2025) 'A multi-component intervention (NEXpro) reduces neck pain : a randomized controlled trial among Swiss office workers', Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 52(1), pp. 51–62. doi: 10.5271/sjweh.4254.
• Jung, M., Zind, A. and Ernst, M. (2025) 'A new test protocol and device for measuring the cranio-cervical flexion test in participants with bruxism', Archives of Physiotherapy, 15(1), pp. 138–147. doi: 10.33393/aop.2025.3448.
• Gubser, R. et al. (2025) 'German translation, transcultural adaptation and test-retest reliability of the headache screening questionnaire', Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 77(103288). doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2025.103288.
• Ernst, M. et al. (2025) 'Effects of neck-exercise and health promotion on headache outcomes in office workers : secondary analysis of the NEXpro stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial', The Journal of Headache and Pain, 26(30). doi: 10.1186/s10194-025-01963-y.
• Brunner, B. et al. (2025) 'Cost-utility and cost–benefit analysis of a multi-component intervention (NEXpro) for neck-related symptoms in Swiss office workers', BMC Public Health, 25(1), p. 160. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-21103-6.
• Luomajoki, H., von Piekartz, H. J. M. and Ernst, M. (2024) 'Tests zur Bewegungskontrolle von Kopf, Nacken, Augen und der kraniomandibulären Region', MSK – Muskuloskelettale Physiotherapie, 28(2), pp. 87–95. doi: 10.1055/a-2235-4843.
• Niedermann, K. et al. (2024) 'Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a single home-based fall prevention program : a prospective observational study based on questionnaires and claims data', BMC Geriatrics, 24(1), p. 1044. doi: 10.1186/s12877-024-05586-x.
• Luomajoki, H. and Ernst, M. (2024) 'Komplexe Bewegungskontrolle der HWS', MSK – Muskuloskelettale Physiotherapie, 28(02), p. 65. doi: 10.1055/a-2235-4783.
• Ernst, M., Elsig, S. and Luomajoki, H. (2024) 'Bewegungskontrolle der Halswirbelsäule : neues Verständnis eines alten Konzepts', MSK – Muskuloskelettale Physiotherapie, 28(2), pp. 80–86. doi: 10.1055/a-2235-4679.
• Nüesch, A., Treleaven, J. and Ernst, M. (2024) 'Validation of the Cervical Torsion Test and Head Neck Differentiation Test in patients with peripheral vestibular hypofunction', Physical Therapy, 104(7), p. pzae057. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzae057.
• Nast, I. et al. (2024) 'Usability of a visual feedback system to assess and improve movement disorders related to neck pain : perceptions of physical therapists and patients', Heliyon, 10(5), p. e26931. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26931.
• Ernst, M. J. et al. (2023) 'Cervical musculoskeletal impairments and pressure pain sensitivity in office workers with headache', Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 66(102816). doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2023.102816.
• Ivanov, D. and Ernst, M. (2023) 'Übersetzung, kulturelle Adaptation und Test-Retest-Reliabilität der deutschen Version des Headache Disability Questionnaire', Physioscience. doi: 10.1055/a-2001-5129.
• Aegerter, A. et al. (2022) 'A multi-component Intervention (NEXpro) reduces neck pain-related work productivity loss : a randomized controlled trial among Swiss office workers', Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 33(2), pp. 288–300. doi: 10.1007/s10926-022-10069-0.
• Schuster-Amft, C. et al. (2022) 'Feasibility and cost description of highly intensive rehabilitation involving new technologies in patients with post-acute stroke : a trial of the Swiss RehabTech Initiative', Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 8(1). doi: 10.1186/s40814-022-01086-0.
• Ernst, M. J. et al. (2022) 'Inter-rater reliability, discriminatory and predictive validity of neck movement control tests in office workers with headache and/or neck pain', Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 62(102685). doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102685.
• Franov, E. et al. (2022) 'Head kinematics in patients with neck pain compared to asymptomatic controls : a systematic review', BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 23(156). doi: 10.1186/s12891-022-05097-z.
• Schmid, P. M. et al. (2021) 'A two joint neck model to identify malposition of the head relative to the thorax', Sensors, 21(9), p. 3297. doi: 10.3390/s21093297.
• Hiestand-Saho, M., Sidibeh, P. and Ernst, M. (2020) 'Pain and functional limitation among rural female Gambian head-load carriers a cross-sectional study', European Journal of Physiotherapy, 24(2), pp. 79–84. doi: 10.1080/21679169.2020.1788637.
• Aegerter, A. et al. (2020) 'On-site multi-component intervention to improve productivity and reduce the economic and personal burden of neck pain in Swiss office-workers (NEXpro) : protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial', BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 21(391). doi: 10.1186/s12891-020-03388-x.
• Pürckhauer, H. et al. (2020) 'Joint position error after neck protraction-retraction movements in healthy office workers : a cross-sectional study', Human Movement Science, 72(102633). doi: 10.1016/j.humov.2020.102633.
• Ernst, M. et al. (2019) 'Intra-rater reliability of determining positions of cervical spinous processes and measuring their relative distances', BMC Research Notes, 12(265). doi: 10.1186/s13104-019-4299-8.
• Quartey, J. et al. (2019) 'Comparative joint position error in patients with non-specific neck disorders and asymptomatic age-matched individuals', South African Journal of Physiotherapy, 75(1), p. a568. doi: 10.4102/sajp.v75i1.568.
• Sommer, B. B. et al. (2019) 'Concurrent validity and reliability of a mobile tracking technology to measure angular and linear movements of the neck', Journal of Biomechanics, p. 109340. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2019.109340.
• Werner, I. et al. (2018) 'Intra and interrater reliability and clinical feasibility of a simple measure of cervical movement sense in patients with neck pain', BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 19(358). doi: 10.1186/s12891-018-2287-0.
• Barbero, M. et al. (2017) 'Can parameters of the helical axis be measured reliably during active cervical movements?', Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 27. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2016.10.008.
• Rast, F. et al. (2017) 'Reproducibility of a new signal processing technique to assess joint sway during standing', Journal of Biomechanics, 51, pp. 133–136. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.11.054.
• Signer, R., Gafner, V. and Ernst, M. (2016) 'Adhäsive Kapsulitis der Schulter', Manuelle Medizin, 54(2), pp. 95–100. doi: 10.1007/s00337-016-0108-9.
• Bauer, C. M. et al. (2016) 'Reliability of lumbar movement dysfunction tests for chronic low back pain patients', Manual Therapy, 24, pp. 81–84. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2016.02.013.
• Hauswirth, J. et al. (2016) 'Immediate effects of cervical unilateral anterior-posterior mobilisation on shoulder pain and impairment in post-operative arthroscopy patients', Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. doi: 10.3233/BMR-160566.
• Bauer, C. et al. (2015) 'Pain intensity attenuates movement control of the lumbar spine in low back pain', Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 25(6), pp. 919–927. doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2015.10.004.
• Hügli, A. S. et al. (2015) 'Adherence to home exercises in non-specific low back pain : a randomised controlled pilot trial', Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 19(1), pp. 177–185. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2014.11.017.
• Ernst, M. J. et al. (2015) 'Extension and flexion in the upper cervical spine in neck pain patients', Manual Therapy, 20(4), pp. 547–552. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2014.12.005.
• Bauer, C. et al. (2015) 'Concurrent validity and reliability of a novel wireless inertial measurement system to assess trunk movement', Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 25(5), pp. 782–790. doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2015.06.001.
• Bianchi, C. et al. (2015) 'Ist die manuelle Untersuchung von aktiven myofaszialen Triggerpunkten bei Patienten mit Spannungskopfschmerzen zuverlässig?', manuelletherapie, 19(1), pp. 31–37. doi: 10.1055/s-0035-1545386.
• Schelldorfer, S. et al. (2015) 'Low back pain and postural control, effects of task difficulty on centre of pressure and spinal kinematics', Gait & Posture, 41(1), pp. 112–118. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2014.09.004.
• Rausch Osthoff, A.-K. et al. (2015) 'Measuring lumbar reposition accuracy in patients with unspecific low back pain : systematic review and meta-analysis', Spine, 40(2), pp. 97–111. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000000677.
• Dietsche, M. and Ernst, M. (2014) 'Effektivität gezielter Kräftigungsübungen der Handgelenkextensoren beim subakuten und chronischen Tennisellenbogen', manuelletherapie, 18(1), pp. 38–47. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1368805.
• Wiedemeier, P. and Ernst, M. (2013) 'Manuelle Triggerpunktbehandlung gegen Kopfschmerzen', Manuelle Medizin, 51(5), pp. 374–380. doi: 10.1007/s00337-013-1058-0.
• Schallert, W. and Ernst, M. (2013) 'Reliabilität und Validität des Upper Limb Neurodynamic Tests bei symptomatischen Nackenpatienten', manuelletherapie, 17(1), pp. 27–38. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1334134.
• Ernst, M. J. et al. (2013) 'Determination of thoracic and lumbar spinal processes by their percentage position between C7 and the PSIS level', BMC Research Notes, 6(58). doi: 10.1186/1756-0500-6-58.
• Ernst, M. et al. (2009) 'Intertester-Reliabilität des kraniozervikalen Flexionstests', manuelletherapie, 13(4), pp. 147–151. doi: 10.1055/s-0028-1109721.
• Ernst, M. (2003) 'Die lumbale Spinalkanalstenose - eine Herausforderung auch für Physiotherapeuten : ein Review der Literatur', manuelletherapie, 7(2), pp. 67–81.

Written conference contributions, peer-reviewed

• Aegerter, A. et al. (2021) 'No evidence for an effect of the first COVID-19 lockdown on neck pain and neck disability among Swiss office workers', in Eurospine Congress 2021, Vienna, Austria, 6-8 October 2021.
• Sommer, B. et al. (2019) 'Concurrent validity and reliability of mobile Steam®VR tracking technology based sensors capturing neck movement', in Gait & Posture. Elsevier, pp. 317–318. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.07.323.
• Niedermann Schneider, K. et al. (2019) 'A single home-based fall prevention intervention reduces falls in seniors', in World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) Congress 2019, Geneva, 10-13 May 2019.
• Bauer, C. et al. (2014) 'Lumbar repositioning is influenced by nonspecific low back pain, test setup and body mass index', in 1st Clinical Movement Analysis World Conference, Rome, Italy, 1-4 October 2014.

Other publications

• Ernst, M. (2025) 'Nackenschmerzen : Symptom oder Ursache von Kopfschmerzen?', Physioactive, 2025(3). doi: 10.21256/zhaw-33510.
• Morf, R. et al. (2024) Study protocol: Activity patterns and stress – prognostic factors for pain persistence and disability in acute neck pain. A one year prospective inception cohort study. OSF. doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/DFY2J.
• Morf, R. et al. (2024) 'Study protocol: Activity patterns and stress – a one year inception cohort study in people with acute neck pain', in IFOMPT 2024, Basel, Switzerland, 4-6 July 2024. Winterthur: ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences. doi: 10.21256/zhaw-34915.
• Ernst, M. J. (2023) 'Sensomotorik der Halswirbelsäule', Sportphysio, 11(01), pp. 15–21. doi: 10.1055/a-1986-6145.
• Aegerter, A. et al. (2020) Correction to: On-site multi-component intervention to improve productivity and reduce the economic and personal burden of neck pain in Swiss office-workers (NEXpro) : protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. BioMed Central. doi: 10.1186/s12891-020-03507-8.
• Ernst, M. et al. (2019) 'Clinical assessment of cervical movement sense in those with neck pain compared to asymptomatic individuals', Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 43, pp. 64–69. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2019.06.006.
• Luomajoki, H. and Ernst, M. (2017) 'Nackenschmerzen : Befund, Unterteilung und Therapie', Physioactive, 2017(1), pp. 7–14. doi: 10.5169/seals-928571.
• Schelldorfer, S. et al. (2014) 'Low back pain and postural control : effects of task difficulty on COP and spinal kinematics', in 8. Physiocongress, Berne, 13-14 June 2014.
• Sommer, B. et al. (2014) 'Trunk kinematics in non-specific low back pain patients following sudden unloading', in 1st Clinical Movement Analysis World Conference, Rome, Italy, 1-4 October 2014.
• Rast, F. et al. (2013) 'Valedo movement lab', in Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI) - Medtech Event, Bern, 27. August 2013. Commission for technology and innovation (CTI). doi: 10.21256/zhaw-2711.

Oral conference contributions and abstracts

• Ernst, M. et al. (2024) 'Cervical musculoskeletal impairments and pressure pain sensitivity in office workers with headache', in Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.103127.
• Aegerter, A. et al. (2023) 'NEXpro Projektabschluss-Event : Meilensteine, Lessons learned und Projektausblick', in NEXpro Projektabschluss-Event, Winterthur, Schweiz, 4. Juli 2023.
• Aegerter, A. et al. (2022) 'A multi-component intervention (NEXpro) reduces neck pain-related work productivity loss : an RCT among Swiss office workers', in 7th International Conference 'Work an Health', virtual, 10-11 February, 2022.
• Niedermann Schneider, K. et al. (2021) 'Valutazione del programma 'Sicuri tutti i giorni' : è sostenibile, efficace ed economico?', in Jahrestreffen der Physio-/Ergotherapeut/innen im RLS Sturzpräventionsprojekt, Bellinzona, Schweiz, 15. Juni 2021.
• Niedermann Schneider, K. et al. (2021) 'Evaluation des Programms 'Sicher durch den Alltag' : Ist es nachhaltig wirksam und wirtschaftlich?', in Delegiertenversammlung Rheumaliga Schweiz, online, 21. Mai 2021.
• Niedermann Schneider, K. et al. (2021) 'Evaluation des Programms 'Sicher durch den Alltag' : ist es nachhaltig wirksam und wirtschaftlich?', in RLS Jahrestreffen für Physio- und Ergotherapeut/innen im Projekt 'Sicher durch den Alltag', Zürich, 11. Juni 2021.
• Niedermann Schneider, K. et al. (2021) 'The fall prevention programme "Sicher durch den Alltag" is effective and cost-effective', in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. BMJ Publishing Group, p. 95. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.3453.
• Aegerter, A. et al. (2021) 'No evidence for an effect of the first COVID-19 lockdown on neck pain and neck disability among Swiss office workers', in Eurospine Congress 2021, Vienna, Austria, 6-8 October 2021.
• Ernst, M. et al. (2016) 'Extension and flexion in the upper cervical spine in neck pain patients', in International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT), Glasgow, Scotland, 4-8 July 2016.
• Hartmeier, A. and Ernst, M. (2012) 'Implementation of collaborative strategies and multiple mentoring models to facilitate peer learning in clinical education', in 3rd European Congress on Physiotherapy Education, Vienna, Austria, 8 -10 November 2012.
• Ernst, M. et al. (2012) 'Effects of feet position and visual closure on postural control excursions in asymptomatic subjects', in 6. Physiocongress, Geneva, 10-11 May 2012.
• Bauer, C. et al. (2011) 'Technical validation of a new movement therapy system for treatment of low back pain', in 20th Annual Meeting of ESMAC, Vienna, Austria, 12-17 September 2011.

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