Prof. Dr. Irina Nast

Work at ZHAW

Position

Head of MSc focus area "professional development"

Experience

• lecturer and researcher at the institute of physiotherapy
  Zurich University of Applied Sciences
  10 / 2010 - today
• Teacher in psychology
  Educational center for business in Weinfelden
  08 / 2006 - 07 / 2011
• PhD student at the National Centre of Competence in Research sesam (Swiss Etiological Study of Adjustment and Mental Health)
  University of Basel
  10 / 2006 - 03 / 2010
• Research assistant
  ETH Zurich
  03 / 2003 - 09 / 2006

Education and Continuing education

Education

• PhD / Psychology
  University of Basel
  10 / 2006 - 12 / 2013
• MSc / Psychology, Psychopathology of adulthood, Social and preventive medicine
  University of Zurich
  09 / 1997 - 12 / 2005

Continuing Education

• Certificate of Advanced Studies in health economics
  Zurich University of Applied Sciences
  11 / 2021
• Certificate of Advanced Studies in University Didactics
  Zurich University of Teacher Education
  01 / 2016

Network

ORCID digital identifier

ORCID ID: 0000-0001-8791-9834

Projects

• Exercise is Medicine Switzerland: contextual analysis for the implementation of physical activity counselling in physiotherapy / Team member / ongoing
• HoloTeach – a virtual therapy guidance system for personalized rehabilitation after stroke / Team member / ongoing
• Ethical dimensions of digital technology-assisted physiotherapy: fundamentals for ethics education of physiotherapists / Co-project leader / ongoing
• Holoreach / Team member / completed
• T-Chair II – Assistive therapy concept for trunk balance & stability after stroke / Team member / completed
• Valedo Neck Therapy / Team member / completed
• Mobility needs of clients with impairment using transport services / Team member / completed
• Evaluation a of falls prevention programme / Team member / completed
• Research evidence to support the work of the professional association / Project leader / completed
• Experience keep people Active / Team member / completed
• Evaluation of a proposal for reform of the physiotherapy fee schedule / Team member / completed
• 2PCS – Personal Caring and Protection System / Team member / completed
• Physiotherapy Research Priorities: how are they defined and what is expected? / Team member / completed
• Educational Activities for Health Professionals / Team member / completed
• Direct Access to Physiotherapy in Switzerland / Team member / completed

Publications

Articles in scientific journal, peer-reviewed

• 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.
• Wirz, M. et al. (2024) 'Evaluation of the post-COVID multidisciplinary outpatient clinic at the Pulmonary Division of the Cantonal Hospital Winterthur from the patient's perspective : a mixed-methods study', Swiss Medical Weekly, 154(8), p. 3622. doi: 10.57187/s.3622.
• Matile, F., Nast, I. and Niedermann, K. (2024) 'Facilitators, barriers and support needs to GLA:D exercise adherence : a mixed method study', BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 16(1), p. 130. doi: 10.1186/s13102-024-00913-6.
• Scheermesser, M. et al. (2024) 'Therapists and patients perceptions of a mixed reality system designed to improve trunk control and upper extremity function', Scientific Reports, 14(6598). doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-55692-4.
• 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.
• Reicherzer, L., Wirz, M. and Nast, I. (2023) 'Die berufliche Situation von Physiotherapeut*innen im Schweizer Gesundheitswesen : eine Analyse der Strukturerhebungsdaten 2016–2018', Physioscience, 19(04), pp. 180–189. doi: 10.1055/a-2001-4705.
• Rausch, A.-K. et al. (2022) 'Lessons learned from a pilot implementation of physical activity recommendations in axial spondyloarthritis exercise group therapy', BMC Rheumatology, 6(12). doi: 10.1186/s41927-021-00233-z.
• Ettlin, L. et al. (2022) 'Evaluation of the strategy for implementing the GLA:D programme in Switzerland : protocol for an implementation-effectiveness hybrid type 3 design study with a mixed-method approach', BMJ Open, 12(6), p. e057993. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057993.
• Rausch Osthoff, A.-K., Nast, I. and Niedermann Schneider, K. (2022) 'Understanding beliefs related to physical activity in people living with axial Spondyloarthritis : a theory-informed qualitative study', BMC Rheumatology, 6(1), p. 40. doi: 10.1186/s41927-022-00270-2.
• Mitteregger, E. et al. (2021) 'Parental experience of the neuromotor development of children with congenital heart disease : an exploratory qualitative study', BMC Pediatrics, 21(430). doi: 10.1186/s12887-021-02808-8.
• Bauer, C. M. et al. (2021) 'A novel assistive therapy chair to improve trunk control during neurorehabilitation : perceptions of physical therapists and patients', Applied Ergonomics, 94(103390). doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103390.
• Ettlin, L. et al. (2021) 'Applicability of exercise and education programmes for knee osteoarthritis management to Switzerland', Frontiers in Health Services, 1(760814). doi: 10.3389/frhs.2021.760814.
• Ettlin, L. et al. (2021) 'Does the conservative non-pharmacological management of knee osteoarthritis in Switzerland reflect the clinical guidelines? : a survey among general practitioners, rheumatologists, and orthopaedic surgeons', Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, 2(658831). doi: 10.3389/fresc.2021.658831.
• Niedermann Schneider, K. et al. (2018) 'Barriers and facilitators of vigorous cardiorespiratory training in axial Spondyloarthritis : surveys among patients, physiotherapists, rheumatologists', Arthritis Care & Research. doi: 10.1002/acr.23705.
• Unternaehrer, E. et al. (2016) 'Maternal adversities during pregnancy and cord blood oxytocin receptor (OXTR) DNA methylation', Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 11(9), pp. 1460–1470. doi: 10.1093/scan/nsw051.
• Amacher-Schelldorfer, A. E. et al. (2016) 'Experiences of general practitioners, home care nurses, physiotherapists and seniors involved in a multidisciplinary home-based fall prevention programme : a mixed method study', BMC Health Services Research, 16(469). doi: 10.1186/s12913-016-1719-5.
• Nast, I. et al. (2016) 'Physiotherapy research priorities in Switzerland : views of the various stakeholders', Physiotherapy Research International, 21(3), pp. 137–146. doi: 10.1002/pri.1621.
• Schoeb, V. et al. (2014) 'How do patients, politicians, physiotherapists and other health professionals view physiotherapy research in Switzerland? : a qualitative study', Physiotherapy Research International, 19(2), pp. 79–92. doi: 10.1002/pri.1560.
• Bolten, M. et al. (2013) 'Prenatal programming of emotion regulation : neonatal reactivity as a differential susceptibility factor moderating the outcome of prenatal cortisol levels', Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 75(4), pp. 351–357. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2013.04.014.
• Nast, I. et al. (2013) 'How to measure prenatal stress? : a systematic review of psychometric instruments to assess psychosocial stress during pregnancy', Allergology International, 27(4), pp. 313–322. doi: 10.1111/ppe.12051.
• Skrundz, M. et al. (2011) 'Plasma oxytocin concentration during pregnancy is associated with development of postpartum depression', Neuropsychopharmacology, 36(9), pp. 1886–1893. doi: 10.1038/npp.2011.74.
• Bornmann, L., Nast, I. and Daniel, H.-D. (2008) 'Do editors and referees look for signs of scientific misconduct when reviewing manuscripts? : a quantitative content analysis of studies that examined review criteria and reasons for accepting and rejecting manuscripts for publication', Scientometrics, 77(3), pp. 415–432. doi: 10.1007/s11192-007-1950-2.

Written conference contributions, peer-reviewed

• Burget, J. L. et al. (2025) 'Validierung des deutschsprachigen MRPS-Fragebogens zur Patientenzufriedenheit in der Physiotherapie', in Physioswiss Kongress, Basel, Schweiz, 24.-25. Oktober 2025.
• Nast, I. et al. (2023) 'Exercise is medicine : Integration in das Schweizer Gesundheitssystem und internationale Best Practices', in 2. Sports, Medicine and Health Summit (SMHS), Hamburg, Deutschland, 22.-24. Juni 2023.
• Nast, I. et al. (2023) 'Langzeitfolgen nach akuter SARS-Cov-2-Infektion : Evaluation der Post-COVID-Sprechstunde am Kantonsspital Winterthur aus der Perspektive der Patient:innen', in 3. Public Health 3-Länder-Tagung, Lindau, Deutschland, 20.-21. Januar 2023.
• Kofler, N. et al. (2022) 'Robots as therapists : patients" experiences, motivation and expectations with robot-assisted training - a qualitative study', in RehabWeek, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 25-29 July 2022.
• Schmelzer, S. et al. (2020) 'The impact of task shifting on perceived working conditions and interprofessional collaboration of health professionals : evidence from implementing two task shifting in a Swiss hospital', in 20th EURAM Annual Conference, Dublin, Ireland, 4-6 December 2020.
• 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.

Other publications

• Ettlin, L. et al. (2021) 'Conservative non-pharmacological management of knee osteoarthritis in Switzerland : there is an evidence-performance gap', in 2. Kooperationskongress SMARTER REHA, online, 6.-7. Mai 2021. ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften. doi: 10.21256/zhaw-22481.
• Nast, I. et al. (2020) Bewegung als Therapie : Schlussbericht im Auftrag des Bundesamts für Gesundheit (BAG). Winterthur: ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften. doi: 10.21256/zhaw-22129.
• Nast, I. (2020) 'Indikatoren für den Fachkräftemangel in der Physiotherapie und das Potenzial innovativer Versorgungsmodelle', Physioactive, 56(8), pp. 5–11.
• Schmelzer, S. et al. (2020) Task Shifting in der inter-professionellen Zusammenarbeit. Winterthur: ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften. doi: 10.21256/zhaw-20950.
• Nast, I. (2019) Professionelle Grenzen überwinden : Chancen innovativer Versorgungsmodelle : Antrittsvorlesung am Departement Gesundheit der ZHAW. Winterthur: ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften.
• Nast, I. et al. (2018) 'Das Modellvorhaben Physiotherapie der BIG direkt gesund und des IFK e. V. : welche Heilmittel wählen Physiotherapeuten bei Unabhängigkeit von der ärztlichen Verordnung?', Physioscience, 14(2), pp. 69–79. doi: 10.1055/a-0602-0947.
• Eberli-Kappeler, U. et al. (2018) '60plus : Förderfaktoren und Barrieren für die Teilnahme an einem Bewegungsförderungsprogramm', Physioscience, 14(3), pp. 123–133. doi: 10.1055/a-0658-0483.
• Schämann, A., Wirz, M. and Nast, I. (2018) 'Wissenschaftliche Methodik', Physiotherapie, pp. 12–14. Available at: https://www.ifk.de/sites/default/files/redaktion/anhaenge/PT_Sonderdruck_Modellvorhaben_18.pdf.
• Nast, I. et al. (2013) 'Direktzugang zur Physiotherapie : wie entscheiden Schweizer Physiotherapeuten beim Erstkontakt über das weitere Vorgehen?', Physioscience, 9(4), pp. 153–160. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1355985.
• Scheermesser, M. et al. (2011) 'Direktzugang zur Physiotherapie in der Schweiz : kulturelle Validierung eines Fragebogens und Untersuchung der Einstellung von Physiotherapeuten', Physioscience, 7(4), pp. 143–149. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1281837.

Oral conference contributions and abstracts

• Reicherzer, L. et al. (2025) 'Bewegungsberatung für mehr körperliche Aktivität im Alltag älterer Personen : eine Konzeptentwicklung', in Physioscience. Thieme, pp. S19–S20. doi: 10.1055/s-0045-1812392.
• Wieber, F. et al. (2022) 'Prescribing physical activity : status quo of the integration in Swiss healthcare system and international best practices', in 17th Conference of the Swiss Psychological Society, Zurich, Switzerland, 4-6 September 2022. Available at: https://sps2022.psychologie.uzh.ch/symposia-monday-5-september-2022-1030-1200/.
• 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.
• Nast, I. and Heine, M. (2019) 'Auf zu neuen Ufern : das IFK-Modellvorhaben für mehr Autonomie', in Therapie Leipzig, Leipzig, 9. März 2019.
• Nast, I. et al. (2019) 'Advanced practice in physiotherapy : an actual literature overview', in WCPT Congress Proceedings.
• Nast, I. et al. (2019) 'Who makes the treatment choice? : a randomized controlled trial of a German model of primary care with greater physiotherapists' autonomy', in WCPT Congress Proceedings.
• Nast, I. (2019) 'Internationale Entwicklungen im Bereich Advanced Practice', in 1. Swiss APP-Symposium : Grundlagen und Zukunftsperspektiven, Winterthur, 25. Januar 2019.
• Nast, I. et al. (2018) 'Enhancing professional perspectives : development of physiotherapy advanced practice models in Switzerland', in 1st International Conference: «Countering Staff Shortage Among Health Professions», Bern, 25-26 Oktober 2018.
• Nast, I. (2018) 'Erweiterte Rollenfunktionen von medizinischen Gesundheitsberufen in der Rehabilitation : Erfahrungen aus dem In- und Ausland', in SAR-FORUM, Bad Zurzach, 14. Juni 2018.
• Wirz, M. et al. (2016) 'Entwicklung, Implementierung und Evaluation neuer Technologien in der Physiotherapie', in Abstractband Forschungssymposium Physiotherapie 2016.
• Niedermann Schneider, K. et al. (2014) 'Barrieren und Förderfaktoren für Herzkreislauf Training aus Sicht von Bechterew-Betroffenen und Physiotherapeuten', in Symposium Health Professionals in Rheumatology, Interlaken, Schweiz, 4.-5. September 2014.
• Schoeb, V. et al. (2012) 'What do patients, politicians, physiotherapists and other health professionals think about physiotherapy research? : a nation-wide qualitative study', in Swiss Congress for Health Professions, Winterthur, 31. Mai - 1. Juni 2012.
• Nast, I. et al. (2012) 'Direkt zur Physiotherapie? : Vorgehen Schweizer Physiotherapeutinnen und -therapeuten im Fall des Direktzugangs', in Swiss Congress for Health Professions, Winterthur, 31. Mai - 1. Juni 2012.
• Nast, I. et al. (2012) 'Swiss research priorities : how are they defined and what is expected?', in Physio Congress 2012, Geneva, 10-11 May 2012.

go back