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

• Marchenko, M., Domingues, L., Barbero, M., Cescon, C., Falla, D., & Ernst, M. J. (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. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2025.2596179
• Ernst, M., van der Meer, H. A., Gubser, R., & Speksnijder, C. (2025). Kopfschmerz zuverlässig screenen : Deutsche Version des Headache Screening Questionnaire. physiopraxis, 23(10), 30–31. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2647-9036
• Aegerter, A., Johnston, V., Volken, T., Sjogaard, G., Ernst, M., Luomajoki, H., Elfering, A., & Melloh, M. (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), 51–62. https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.4254
• Jung, M., Zind, A., & 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), 138–147. https://doi.org/10.33393/aop.2025.3448
• Gubser, R., Speksnijder, C. M., van der Meer, H. A., & Ernst, M. (2025). German translation, transcultural adaptation and test-retest reliability of the headache screening questionnaire. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 77(103288). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2025.103288
• Ernst, M., Meichtry, A., Luedtke, K., Nexpro, C., & Falla, D. (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). https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-025-01963-y
• Brunner, B., Aegerter, A. M., Johnston, V., Volken, T., Deforth, M., Sjøgaard, G., Elfering, A., Melloh, M., Barbero, M., Cornwall, J., Pereira, Y. D. C., Distler, O., Dratva, J., Dressel, H., Egli, T., Ernst, M. J., Etzer-Hofer, I., Falla, D., Gisler, M., 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), 160. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-21103-6
• Luomajoki, H., von Piekartz, H. J. M., & Ernst, M. (2024). Tests zur Bewegungskontrolle von Kopf, Nacken, Augen und der kraniomandibulären Region. MSK – Muskuloskelettale Physiotherapie, 28(2), 87–95. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2235-4843
• Niedermann, K., Meichtry, A., Zindel, B., Ernst, M., Krafft, V., Mattli, R., Nast, I., Wieser, S., Wirz, M., & Brunner, B. (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), 1044. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-024-05586-x
• Luomajoki, H., & Ernst, M. (2024). Komplexe Bewegungskontrolle der HWS. MSK – Muskuloskelettale Physiotherapie, 28(02), 65. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2235-4783
• Ernst, M., Elsig, S., & Luomajoki, H. (2024). Bewegungskontrolle der Halswirbelsäule : neues Verständnis eines alten Konzepts. MSK – Muskuloskelettale Physiotherapie, 28(2), 80–86. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2235-4679
• Nüesch, A., Treleaven, J., & Ernst, M. (2024). Validation of the Cervical Torsion Test and Head Neck Differentiation Test in patients with peripheral vestibular hypofunction. Physical Therapy, 104(7), pzae057. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzae057
• Nast, I., Scheermesser, M., Ernst, M., Sommer, B., Schmid, P. M., Weisenhorn, M., Bärtschi, E., Gomez, D., Iten, P., von Wartburg, A., Frey, W., Lünenburger, L., & Bauer, C. (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), e26931. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26931
• Ernst, M. J., Sax, N., Meichtry, A., Aegerter, A. M., Luomajoki, H., Luedtke, K., Gallina, A., & Falla, D. (2023). Cervical musculoskeletal impairments and pressure pain sensitivity in office workers with headache. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 66(102816). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2023.102816
• Ivanov, D., & Ernst, M. (2023). Übersetzung, kulturelle Adaptation und Test-Retest-Reliabilität der deutschen Version des Headache Disability Questionnaire. Physioscience. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2001-5129
• Ernst, M. J., Klaus, S., Lüdtke, K., Gallina, A., Falla, D., Aegerter, A. M., Barbero, M., Brunner, B., Cornwall, J., Da Cruz Pereira, Y., Deforth, M. E., Distler, O., Dratva, J., Dressel, H., Egli, T., Elfering, A., Ernst, M. J., Etzer-Hofer, I., Falla, D., 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). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102685
• Aegerter, A., Deforth, M., Volken, T., Johnston, V., Luomajoki, H., Dressel, H., Dratva, J., Ernst, M. J., Distler, O., Brunner, B., Sjøgaard, G., Melloh, M., & Elfering, A. (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), 288–300. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-022-10069-0
• Schuster-Amft, C., Kool, J., Möller, J. C., Schweinfurther, R., Ernst, M., Reicherzer, L., Ziller, C., Schwab, M. E., Wieser, S., Wirz, M., Menig, A., Paredes, L. P., & Rosemeier, H. (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). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-022-01086-0
• Franov, E., Straub, M., Bauer, C., & Ernst, M. (2022). Head kinematics in patients with neck pain compared to asymptomatic controls : a systematic review. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 23(156). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05097-z
• Schmid, P. M., Bauer, C., Ernst, M., Sommer, B., Lünenburger, L., & Weisenhorn, M. (2021). A two joint neck model to identify malposition of the head relative to the thorax. Sensors, 21(9), 3297. https://doi.org/10.3390/s21093297
• Hiestand-Saho, M., Sidibeh, P., & Ernst, M. (2020). Pain and functional limitation among rural female Gambian head-load carriers a cross-sectional study. European Journal of Physiotherapy, 24(2), 79–84. https://doi.org/10.1080/21679169.2020.1788637
• Aegerter, A., Deforth, M., Johnston, V., Ernst, M., Volken, T., Luomajoki, H., Brunner, B., Dratva, J., Sjøgaard, G., Elfering, A., & Melloh, M. (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). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-020-03388-x
• Pürckhauer, H., Rast, F., Nicoletti, C., & Ernst, M. (2020). Joint position error after neck protraction-retraction movements in healthy office workers : a cross-sectional study. Human Movement Science, 72(102633). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humov.2020.102633
• Quartey, J., Ernst, M., Bello, A., Oppong-Yeboah, B., Bonney, E., Acquaah, K., Asomaning, F., Foli, M., Asante, S., Schaemann, A., & Bauer, C. (2019). Comparative joint position error in patients with non-specific neck disorders and asymptomatic age-matched individuals. South African Journal of Physiotherapy, 75(1), a568. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v75i1.568
• Ernst, M., Sommer, B., Meichtry, A., & Bauer, C. (2019). Intra-rater reliability of determining positions of cervical spinous processes and measuring their relative distances. BMC Research Notes, 12(265). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-019-4299-8
• Sommer, B. B., Weisenhorn, M., Ernst, M. J., Meichtry, A., Rast, F. M., Kleger, D., Schmid, P., Lünenburger, L., & Bauer, C. M. (2019). Concurrent validity and reliability of a mobile tracking technology to measure angular and linear movements of the neck. Journal of Biomechanics, 109340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2019.109340
• Werner, I., Ernst, M., Treleaven, J., & Crawford, R. (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). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-018-2287-0
• Barbero, M., Falla, D., Clijsen, R., Ghirlanda, F., Schneebeli, A., Ernst, M., & Cescon, C. (2017). Can parameters of the helical axis be measured reliably during active cervical movements? Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2016.10.008
• Rast, F., Graser, J. V., Meichtry, A., Ernst, M., & Bauer, C. (2017). Reproducibility of a new signal processing technique to assess joint sway during standing. Journal of Biomechanics, 51, 133–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.11.054
• Signer, R., Gafner, V., & Ernst, M. (2016). Adhäsive Kapsulitis der Schulter. Manuelle Medizin, 54(2), 95–100. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00337-016-0108-9
• Bauer, C. M., Heimgartner, M., Rast, F. M., Ernst, M. J., Oetiker, S., & Kool, J. (2016). Reliability of lumbar movement dysfunction tests for chronic low back pain patients. Manual Therapy, 24, 81–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2016.02.013
• Hauswirth, J., Ernst, M., Lanz Preusser, M., Meichtry, A., Kool, J., & Crawford, R. (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. https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-160566
• Bauer, C., Rast, F., Ernst, M., Oetiker, S., Meichtry, A., Kool, J., Rissanen, S. M., Suni, J. H., & Kankaanpää, M. (2015). Pain intensity attenuates movement control of the lumbar spine in low back pain. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 25(6), 919–927. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2015.10.004
• Hügli, A. S., Ernst, M. J., Kool, J., Rast, F., Rausch, A.-K., Mannig, A., Oetiker, S., & Bauer, C. M. (2015). Adherence to home exercises in non-specific low back pain : a randomised controlled pilot trial. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 19(1), 177–185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2014.11.017
• Ernst, M. J., Crawford, R. J., Schelldorfer, S., Rausch Osthoff, A.-K., Barbero, M., Kool, J., & Bauer, C. M. (2015). Extension and flexion in the upper cervical spine in neck pain patients. Manual Therapy, 20(4), 547–552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2014.12.005
• Bauer, C., Rast, F., Ernst, M., Kool, J., Oetiker, S., Rissanen, S., Suni, J., & Kankaanpää, M. (2015). Concurrent validity and reliability of a novel wireless inertial measurement system to assess trunk movement. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 25(5), 782–790. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2015.06.001
• Bianchi, C., Meichtry, A., Tänzer, L., Ritter, U., & Ernst, M. (2015). Ist die manuelle Untersuchung von aktiven myofaszialen Triggerpunkten bei Patienten mit Spannungskopfschmerzen zuverlässig? manuelletherapie, 19(1), 31–37. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0035-1545386
• Rausch Osthoff, A.-K., Ernst, M., Rast, F., Mauz, D., Graf, E., Kool, J., & Bauer, C. (2015). Measuring lumbar reposition accuracy in patients with unspecific low back pain : systematic review and meta-analysis. Spine, 40(2), 97–111. https://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0000000000000677
• Schelldorfer, S., Ernst, M., Rast, F., Bauer, C., Meichtry, A., & Kool, J. (2015). Low back pain and postural control, effects of task difficulty on centre of pressure and spinal kinematics. Gait & Posture, 41(1), 112–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2014.09.004
• Dietsche, M., & Ernst, M. (2014). Effektivität gezielter Kräftigungsübungen der Handgelenkextensoren beim subakuten und chronischen Tennisellenbogen. manuelletherapie, 18(1), 38–47. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1368805
• Wiedemeier, P., & Ernst, M. (2013). Manuelle Triggerpunktbehandlung gegen Kopfschmerzen. Manuelle Medizin, 51(5), 374–380. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00337-013-1058-0
• Schallert, W., & Ernst, M. (2013). Reliabilität und Validität des Upper Limb Neurodynamic Tests bei symptomatischen Nackenpatienten. manuelletherapie, 17(1), 27–38. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0033-1334134
• Ernst, M. J., Rast, F. M., Bauer, C. M., Marcar, V. L., & Kool, J. (2013). Determination of thoracic and lumbar spinal processes by their percentage position between C7 and the PSIS level. BMC Research Notes, 6(58). https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-6-58
• Ernst, M., Fink, S., Iseli, A., & Watzek, D. (2009). Intertester-Reliabilität des kraniozervikalen Flexionstests. manuelletherapie, 13(4), 147–151. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0028-1109721
• Ernst, M. (2003). Die lumbale Spinalkanalstenose - eine Herausforderung auch für Physiotherapeuten : ein Review der Literatur. manuelletherapie, 7(2), 67–81.

Written conference contributions, peer-reviewed

• Aegerter, A., Deforth, M., Johnston, V., Sjøgaard, G., Ernst, M., Luomajoki, H., Volken, T., Dratva, J., Dressel, H., Distler, O., Elfering, A., & Melloh, M. (2021, October 6). No evidence for an effect of the first COVID-19 lockdown on neck pain and neck disability among Swiss office workers. Eurospine Congress 2021, Vienna, Austria, 6-8 October 2021.
• Sommer, B., Weisenhorn, M., Ernst, M., Meichtry, A., Rast, F., Kleger, D., Schmid, P. M., Lünenburger, L., & Bauer, C. (2019). Concurrent validity and reliability of mobile Steam®VR tracking technology based sensors capturing neck movement [Conference poster]. Gait & Posture, 73, 317–318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.07.323
• Niedermann Schneider, K., Zindel, B., Meichtry, A., Krafft, V., Nast, I., Ernst, M., & Wirz, M. (2019, May 11). A single home-based fall prevention intervention reduces falls in seniors. World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) Congress 2019, Geneva, 10-13 May 2019.
• Bauer, C., Rast, F., Meichtry, A., Schelldorfer, S., Ernst, M., Kool, J., Suni, J., & Kankaanpää, M. (2014, October). Lumbar repositioning is influenced by nonspecific low back pain, test setup and body mass index. 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). https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-33510
• Morf, R., Reicherzer, L., Degenfellner, J., Ernst, M., Pfeiffer, F., Luomajoki, H., Hasenbring, M., & Hotz-Boendermaker, S. (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. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/DFY2J
• Morf, R., Reicherzer, L., Degenfellner, J., Ernst, M., Pfeiffer, F., Luomajoki, H., Hasenbring, M., & Hotz Boendermaker, S. (2024, July 5). Study protocol: Activity patterns and stress – a one year inception cohort study in people with acute neck pain. IFOMPT 2024, Basel, Switzerland, 4-6 July 2024. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-34915
• Ernst, M. J. (2023). Sensomotorik der Halswirbelsäule. Sportphysio, 11(01), 15–21. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1986-6145
• Ernst, M., Williams, L., Werner, I., Crawford, R., & Treleaven, J. (2019). Clinical assessment of cervical movement sense in those with neck pain compared to asymptomatic individuals. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 43, 64–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2019.06.006
• Luomajoki, H., & Ernst, M. (2017). Nackenschmerzen : Befund, Unterteilung und Therapie. Physioactive, 2017(1), 7–14. https://doi.org/10.5169/seals-928571
• Sommer, B., Hinterberger, B., Rast, F., Schelldorfer, S., Ernst, M., Kuster, R., Lorenzetti, S., & Bauer, C. (2014). Trunk kinematics in non-specific low back pain patients following sudden unloading. 1st Clinical Movement Analysis World Conference, Rome, Italy, 1-4 October 2014.
• Schelldorfer, S., Ernst, M., Rast, F., Bauer, C., Meichtry, A., & Kool, J. (2014). Low back pain and postural control : effects of task difficulty on COP and spinal kinematics. 8. Physiocongress, Berne, 13-14 June 2014.
• Rast, F., Bauer, C., Schelldorfer, S., Ernst, M., Rausch Osthoff, A.-K., Hügli, A., Mariglis, A., Colombo, G., Lawrence, M., & Kool, J. (2013, August). Valedo movement lab. Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI) - Medtech Event, Bern, 27. August 2013. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-2711

Oral conference contributions and abstracts

• Ernst, M., Sax, N., Meichtry, A., Aegerter, A., Luomajoki, H., Lüdtke, K., Gallina, A., & Falla, D. (2024). Cervical musculoskeletal impairments and pressure pain sensitivity in office workers with headache [Conference presentation]. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 72(A033). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2024.103127
• Aegerter, A., Ernst, M., Melloh, M., & Elfering, A. (2023, July 4). NEXpro Projektabschluss-Event : Meilensteine, Lessons learned und Projektausblick. NEXpro Projektabschluss-Event, Winterthur, Schweiz, 4. Juli 2023.
• Aegerter, A., Deforth, M., Volken, T., Johnston, V., Luomajoki, H., Dressel, H., Dratva, J., Ernst, M., Distler, O., Brunner, B., Sjøgaard, G., Melloh, M., & Elfering, A. (2022, February 10). A multi-component intervention (NEXpro) reduces neck pain-related work productivity loss : an RCT among Swiss office workers. 7th International Conference “Work an Health”, Virtual, 10-11 February, 2022.
• Niedermann Schneider, K., Meichtry, A., Zindel, B., Brunner, B., Ernst, M., Krafft, V., Mattli, R., Nast, I., Wirz, M., & Wieser, S. (2021). Evaluation des Programms “Sicher durch den Alltag” : Ist es nachhaltig wirksam und wirtschaftlich? Delegiertenversammlung Rheumaliga Schweiz, online, 21. Mai 2021.
• Niedermann Schneider, K., Meichtry, A., Zindel, B., Brunner, B., Ernst, M., Krafft, V., Mattli, R., Nast, I., Wirz, M., & Wieser, S. (2021). Valutazione del programma “Sicuri tutti i giorni” : è sostenibile, efficace ed economico? Jahrestreffen der Physio-/Ergotherapeut/innen im RLS Sturzpräventionsprojekt, Bellinzona, Schweiz, 15. Juni 2021.
• Niedermann Schneider, K., Meichtry, A., Zindel, B., Brunner, B., Ernst, M., Krafft, V., Mattli, R., Nast, I., Wirz, M., & Wieser, S. (2021). Evaluation des Programms “Sicher durch den Alltag” : ist es nachhaltig wirksam und wirtschaftlich? RLS Jahrestreffen für Physio- und Ergotherapeut/innen im Projekt “Sicher durch den Alltag”, Zürich, 11. Juni 2021.
• Niedermann Schneider, K., Meichtry, A., Zindel, B., Brunner, B., Ernst, M., Krafft, V., Mattli, R., Nast, I., Wirz, M., & Wieser, S. (2021). The fall prevention programme ‘Sicher durch den Alltag’ is effective and cost-effective [Conference presentation]. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 80(Supplement 1), 95. https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.3453
• Aegerter, A., Deforth, M., Johnston, V., Sjøgaard, G., Ernst, M., Luomajoki, H., Volken, T., Dratva, J., Dressel, H., Distler, O., Elfering, A., & Melloh, M. (2021, October 8). No evidence for an effect of the first COVID-19 lockdown on neck pain and neck disability among Swiss office workers. Eurospine Congress 2021, Vienna, Austria, 6-8 October 2021. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-23307
• Ernst, M., Crawford, R., Rausch Osthoff, A.-K., Barbero, M., Kool, J., & Bauer, C. (2016). Extension and flexion in the upper cervical spine in neck pain patients. International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT), Glasgow, Scotland, 4-8 July 2016.
• Hartmeier, A., & Ernst, M. (2012). Implementation of collaborative strategies and multiple mentoring models to facilitate peer learning in clinical education. 3rd European Congress on Physiotherapy Education, Vienna, Austria, 8 -10 November 2012.
• Ernst, M., Bauer, C., Schelldorfer, S., & Kool, J. (2012, May). Effects of feet position and visual closure on postural control excursions in asymptomatic subjects. 6. Physiocongress, Geneva, 10-11 May 2012.
• Bauer, C., Baumgartner, L., Schelldorfer, S., Ernst, M., & Lawrence, M. (2011, September). Technical validation of a new movement therapy system for treatment of low back pain. 20th Annual Meeting of ESMAC, Vienna, Austria, 12-17 September 2011.

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