Prof. Dr. Markus Wirz

Work at ZHAW

Position

Head Research and Development, Institute of Physiotherapy

Focus

• Assessments und clinical tests for physiotherapy
• Rehabilitation of Patients with spinal cord injury
• Integration of new Technologies in rehabilitation
• Health Enhancing Physical Activity

Experience

• Lecturer
  ZHAW University of Applied Sciences
  03 / 2009 - today
• Head Physiotherapy
  University Hospital Balgrist, Spinal Cord Injury Centre
  06 / 2002 - 02 / 2014
• Lecturer
  School of Physiotherapy, University Hospital Berne
  06 / 1999 - 12 / 2005

Education and Continuing education

Education

• PhD / Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
  Maastricht University
  09 / 2008 - 04 / 2013
• Master of Science / Physiotherapy
  Maastricht University
  09 / 2005 - 07 / 2008
• dipl. physical therapist
  School of Physiotherapy, University Hospital Zurich
  03 / 1986 - 03 / 1991

Continuing Education

• CAS university didactics
  Pädagogische Hochschule Zürich PHZH
  09 / 2015
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) I-III
  University Hospital Zurich
  06 / 2014

Network

ORCID digital identifier

ORCID ID: 0000-0001-6716-8527

Awards

• Physioscience-Award
  Thieme Group
  11 / 2024
• PhD-Grant
  Foundation for Physiotherapy Science
  06 / 2012
• Ludwig-Guttmann-Award
  Deutschsprachige Medizinische Gesellschaft für Paraplegiologie
  06 / 2011
• Ludwig-Guttmann-Award
  Deutschsprachige Medizinischen Gesellschaft für Paraplegie
  06 / 2005

Projects

• Implementation of Clinical Guidelines for Knee Osteoarthritis in Switzerland / Deputy project leader / ongoing
• Development and evaluation of a blended patient education and self-management program for patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease / Team member / completed
• SUPER-B: Supervised preoperative rehabilitation in patients scheduled for lumbar spinal surgery – A scoping review / Co-project leader / completed
• Evaluation of the Professionals' and Patients’ Perceptions and Practices of Remote, Digital Physiotherapy during the Corona Pandemic / 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 / Project leader / completed
• Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in Switzerland / Team member / completed
• Development of a prospective payment system for inpatient rehabilitation in Switzerland / Team member / completed
• Spine Posture Monitoring (DigiSpine) / Project leader / completed
• Prehabilitation - Enhanced Recovery After Colorectal Surgery / Project leader / completed
• Evaluation a of falls prevention programme / Team member / completed
• Soft modular biomimetic exoskeleton to assist people with mobility impairments / Project leader / completed
• Research evidence to support the work of the professional association / Team member / completed
• Accuracy of KinectOne to quantify kinematics of the upper body / Team member / completed
• Paediatric physical therapy in infants at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders – PT in infants at risk / Team member / completed
• PPS Paraplegiology / Project leader / completed

Publications

Articles in scientific journal, peer-reviewed

• Riegler, T., Marcin, T., Wirz, M., Brun, P., Puhan, M. A., Guler, S., & Frei, A. (2025). Living with pulmonary fibrosis : how affected people experience disease-related information, health services and self-management strategies. BMJ Open Respiratory Research, 12(1), e003303. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjresp-2025-003303
• Riegler, T. F., Frei, A., Wirz, M., Holland, A. E., Lindell, K., Brun, P., Puhan, M. A., Marcin, T., & Guler, S. A. (2025). Specific content for education and self-management programs for people with pulmonary fibrosis : a co-creation, multiphase, mixed-method study. ERJ Open Research, 11(6), 00245–02025. https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00245-2025
• Graf, E. S., De Bon, D., Stahl, J., Degenfellner, J., Knechtle, D., Zutter, D., Liberatore, F., & Wirz, M. (2025). Can technology-based gait training result in relevant changes of ambulatory function in people with chronic, neurological diagnoses? A longitudinal, cohort study. Plos One, 20(5), e0324062. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0324062
• Gränicher, P., Reicherzer, L., Wanivenhaus, F., Farshad, M., Spörri, J., Wirz, M., & Scherr, J. (2025). Supervised prehabilitation in patients scheduled for spinal surgery : a scoping review. European Spine Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-025-08710-6
• 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
• Allet, L., Barbero, M., Baur, H., de Bruin, E., & Wirz, M. (2024). Physiotherapy-mediated physical activity and patient education : active agents with great effect and hardly any side effects. Swiss Medical Weekly. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-32537
• Nötzli, M., & Wirz, M. (2024). Förderfaktoren und Barrieren für den Einsatz standardisierter Messinstrumente in der Physiotherapie : eine Querschnittsstudie mittels Onlinebefragung bei Physiotherapeut*innen in der Schweiz. Physioscience, 21(1), 23–34. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2276-3058
• Wirz, M., Nast, I., Rausch, A.-K., Beyer, S., Hetzel, J., & Hofer, M. (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), 3622. https://doi.org/10.57187/s.3622
• Schmocker, M., Engst, R., Wirz, M., & Bana, M. (2024). Factors influencing physical activity in individuals with head and neck cancer : a scoping review. BMJ Open, 14(7). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-083852
• Wirz, M., & Huber, M. (2023). Bewusst eingesetzt : motorisches Lernen mit dem Therapieroboter. physiopraxis, 21(9), 32–37. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2122-5548
• Hinteregger, A., Niedermann Schneider, K., & Wirz, M. (2023). The feasibility, facilitators, and barriers in the initial implementation phase of ‘good life with osteoarthritis in Denmark’ (GLA:D®) in Switzerland : a cross-sectional survey. BMC Health Services Research, 23(1034). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-10023-7
• Reicherzer, L., Wirz, M., & Nast, I. (2023). Die berufliche Situation von Physiotherapeut*innen im Schweizer Gesundheitswesen : eine Analyse der Strukturerhebungsdaten 2016–2018. Physioscience, 19(04), 180–189. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2001-4705
• Graf, E., Perret, C., Labruyère, R., Möller, J. C., & Wirz, M. (2023). Health-enhancing physical activity interventions in non-ambulatory people with severe motor impairments – a scoping review. Annals of Medicine, 55(1), 2219065. https://doi.org/10.1080/07853890.2023.2219065
• Rechberger, S., Unger, I., Greco, N., Schmidt Leuenberger, J. M., Suter, P., & Wirz, M. (2023). Prähabilitation bei elektiver Lungen-Teilresektion (PRELS) : eine Machbarkeitsstudie. Physioscience, 19(03), 106–115. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1963-6369
• Reicherzer, L., Wirz, M., Wieber, F., & Graf, E. (2022). Facilitators and barriers to health enhancing physical activity in individuals with severe functional limitations after stroke: A qualitative study. Frontiers in Psychology, 13(982302). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.982302
• 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
• Gloor, S., Misirlic, M., Frei-Lanter, C., Herzog, P., Müller, P., Schäfli-Thurnherr, J., Lamdark, T., Schregel, D., Wyss, R., Unger, I., Gisi, D., Greco, N., Mungo, G., Wirz, M., Raptis, D. A., Tschuor, C., & Breitenstein, S. (2022). Prehabilitation in patients undergoing colorectal surgery fails to confer reduction in overall morbidity : results of a single-center, blinded, randomized controlled trial. Langenbecks Archives of Surgery, 407(3), 897–907. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-022-02449-0
• Rausch Osthoff, A.-K., Beyer, S., Gisi, D., Rezek, S., Schwank, A., Meichtry, A., Sievi, N. A., Hess, T., & Wirz, M. (2021). Effect of counselling during pulmonary rehabilitation on self-determined motivation to be physically active for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease : a pragmatic RCT. BMC Pulmonary Medicine, 21(317). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-021-01685-2
• Scheermesser, M., Reicherzer, L., Beyer, S., Gisi, D., Rezek, S., Hess, T., Wirz, M., & Rausch Osthoff, A.-K. (2021). The influence of pulmonary rehabilitation and counselling on perceptions of physical activity in individuals with COPD : a qualitative study. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 16, 2337–2350. https://doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S315130
• Rausch, A.-K., Baur, H., Reicherzer, L., Wirz, M., Keller, F., Opsommer, E., Schoeb, V., Vercelli, S., & Barbero, M. (2021). Physiotherapists’ use and perceptions of digital remote physiotherapy during COVID-19 lockdown in Switzerland : an online cross-sectional survey. Archives of Physiotherapy, 11(18). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40945-021-00112-3
• Rausch Osthoff, A.-K., Bauer, C., & Wirz, M. (2020). Keep Record! – Zukunftsvision : die standardisierte, elektronische Dokumentation von physiotherapeutischen Leistungen. Physioscience, 16(04), 145–146. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1241-5813
• Akhbari Ziegler, S., Rhein, M., Meichtry, A., Wirz, M., Hielkema, T., & Hadders‐Algra, M. (2020). The coping with and caring for infants with special needs intervention was associated with improved motor development in preterm infants. Acta Paediatrica, 110(4), 1189–1200. https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.15619
• Rausch Osthoff, A.-K., Greco, N., Schwank, A., Beyer, S., Gisi, D., Scheermesser, M., Meichtry, A., Sievi, N., Hess, T., & Wirz, M. (2017). Effect of counselling during pulmonary rehabilitation on self-determined motivation towards physical activity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – protocol of a mixed methods study. BMC Pulmonary Medicine, 115. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-017-0457-8
• Franz, M., Richner, L., Wirz, M., von Reumont, A., Bergner, U., Herzog, T., Popp, W., Bach, K., Weidner, N., & Curt, A. (2017). Physical therapy is targeted and adjusted over time for the rehabilitation of locomotor function in acute spinal cord injury interventions in physical and sports therapy. Spinal Cord, 56(2), 158–167. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41393-017-0007-5
• Wirz, M., Mach, O., Maier, D., Benito-Penalva, J., Taylor, J., Esclarin, A., & Dietz, V. (2017). Effectiveness of automated locomotor training in patients with acute incomplete spinal cord injury : a randomized controlled multicenter trial. Journal of Neurotrauma, 34(10), 1891–1896. https://doi.org/10.1089/neu.2016.4643
• Wirz, M. (2017). Die Angst vorm Fallen messen : Falls Efficacy Scale – internationale Version (FES-I). Ergopraxis, 10(2), 32–33.
• Dietz, V., Macauda, G., Schrafl-Altermatt, M., Wirz, M., Kloter, E., & Michels, L. (2015). Neural coupling of cooperative hand movements : a reflex and fMRI study. Cerebral Cortex, 25(4), 948–958. https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bht285
• Wirz, M., & Dietz, V. (2015). Recovery of sensorimotor function and activities of daily living after cervical spinal cord injury : the influence of age. Journal of Neurotrauma, 32(3), 194–199. https://doi.org/10.1089/neu.2014.3335

Books, peer-reviewed

Wirz, M., Köhler, B., Marks, D., Kool, J., Sattelmayer, M., Oesch, P., Hilfiker, R., Rogan, S., Schädler, S., Verra, M., & Lüthi, H. (2014). Lehrbuch Assessments in der Rehabilitation (1. Auflage, Vol. 4). Hans Huber.

Book chapters, peer-reviewed

• Rupp, R., & Wirz, M. (2022). Implementation of robots into rehabilitation programs : meeting the requirements and expectations of professional and end users. In D. J. Reinkensmeyer, L. Marchal-Crespo, & V. Dietz (Eds.), Neurorehabilitation Technology (pp. 263–288). Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08995-4_13
• Wirz, M., Bansi, J., Capecci, M., Esquenazi, A., Paredes, L., Tefertiller, C., & van Hedel, H. J. A. (2022). Robotic gait training in specific neurological conditions : rationale and application. In D. J. Reinkensmeyer, L. Marchal-Crespo, & V. Dietz (Eds.), Neurorehabilitation Technology (pp. 145–188). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08995-4_8
• Wirz, M., & Rutz-La Pitz, L. (2020). The influence of age on neurorehabilitation. In V. Dietz & N. Ward (Eds.), Oxford Textbook of Neurorehabilitation (2 edn). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/med/9780198824954.003.0006
• Wirz, M., & van Hedel, H. (2018). Balance, gait, and falls in spinal cord injury. In B. L. Day & S. R. Lord (Eds.), Balance, gait, and falls (pp. 367–384). Elsevier.
• Esquenazi, A., Maier, I., Aurich Schuler, T., Beer, S., Borggraefe, I., Campen, K., Luft, A., Manoglu, D., Meyer-Heim, A., Spiess, M., & Wirz, M. (2016). Clinical application of robotics and technology in restoration of walking. In R. David J. & D. Volker (Eds.), Neurorehabilitation technology (pp. 223–248). Springer.
• Wirz, M., & Rupp, R. (2016). Applications issues for robotics. In D. J. Reinkensmeyer & V. Dietz (Eds.), Neurorehabilitation technology (pp. 141–160). Springer.
• Wirz, M., & Rutz-La Pitz, L. (2015). The influence of age on neurorehabilitation. In N. Ward & V. Dietz (Eds.), Oxford textbook of neurorehabilitation (pp. 46–54). Oxford University Press.
• Dietz, V., & Wirz, M. (2015). Grundlagen. In W. Strubreither, M. Neikes, D. Stirnimann, J. Eisenhuth, B. Schulz, & P. Lude (eds.), Klinische Psychologie bei Querschnittlähmung : psychologische und psychotherapeutische Interventionen bei psychischen, somatischen und psychosozialen Folgen (pp. 75–92). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-1601-2_11

Written conference contributions, peer-reviewed

• Christen, J., Wirz, M., Knechtle, D., & Graf, E. (2025). Feasibility of assessing aerobic capacity during robotic-assisted gait training. Physioswiss Kongress, Basel, Schweiz, 24.-25. Oktober 2025.
• Christen, J., Wirz, M., Knechtle, D., & Graf, E. (2025). Feasibility of assessing aerobic capacity during robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT). Physioswiss Kongress, Basel, Schweiz, 24.-25. Oktober 2025. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-34532
• Graf, E., De Bon, D., Stahl, J., Knechtle, D., Zutter, D., Liberatore, F., & Wirz, M. (2023, September). Technology-based gait training in people with chronic gait impairments : is it worth it? RehabWeek, Singapore, 24-28 September 2023. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-28891
• Graf, E., Perret, C., Labruyère, R., Möller, J. C., & Wirz, M. (2023, September). Utilizing rehabilitation technologies for health-enhancing physical activity interventions in people with severe mobility impairments : a scoping review. RehabWeek, Singapore, 24-28 September 2023.
• Nast, I., Niedermann, K., Carlander, M., Mattli, R., Rausch-Osthoff, A.-K., Sommer, B., Wieber, F., & Wirz, M. (2023, June). Exercise is medicine : Integration in das Schweizer Gesundheitssystem und internationale Best Practices. 2. Sports, Medicine and Health Summit (SMHS), Hamburg, Deutschland, 22.-24. Juni 2023.
• Nast, I., Beyer, S., Egli, S., Rausch, A.-K., Wirz, M., Hetzel, J., & Hofer, M. (2023, January). Langzeitfolgen nach akuter SARS-Cov-2-Infektion : Evaluation der Post-COVID-Sprechstunde am Kantonsspital Winterthur aus der Perspektive der Patient:innen. 3. Public Health 3-Länder-Tagung, Lindau, Deutschland, 20.-21. Januar 2023.
• Graf, E., Zutter, D., De Bon, D., & Wirz, M. (2022). Technology-supported exercise may increase self-reported health status in people with residual movement impairments after neurological event [Conference poster]. European Journal of Public Health, 32(Supplement_2). https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckac095.149
• Kofler, N., Graf, E., Nast, I., Wirz, M., & Scheermesser, M. (2022, July). Robots as therapists : patients’ experiences, motivation and expectations with robot-assisted training - a qualitative study. RehabWeek, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 25-29 July 2022.
• Akhbari Ziegler, S., von Rhein, M., Meichtry, A., Wirz, M., Hielkema, T., & Hadders-Algra, M. (2022, May 21). The coping with and caring for infants with special needs intervention was associated with improved motor development in preterm infants. 34th Annual Meeting of the European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD) Barcelona, Spain, 18-21 May 2022. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-25096
• Graf, E., Bauer, C., Pauli, C., & Wirz, M. (2021). Alteration of push-off mechanics during walking with different prototype designs of a soft exoskeleton in people with incomplete spinal cord injury : a case series [Conference paper]. In J. C. Moreno, J. Masood, U. Schneider, C. Maufroy, & J. L. Pons (Eds.), Wearable robotics : challenges and trends. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-69547-7_33
• Schmelzer, S., Hollenstein, E., Huber, M., Nast, I., Wirz, M., & Liberatore, F. (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. 20th EURAM Annual Conference, Dublin, Ireland, 4-6 December 2020.
• Wirz, M., Bauer, C., Pauli, C., & Graf, E. (2019, May). Development of an assistive soft exoskeleton : a multistakeholder endeavour. World Confederation of Physical Therapy Congress, Geneva, 10-13 May 2019. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-19150
• Graf, E., Bauer, C., Schülein, S., de Eyto, A., Power, V., Bottenberg, E., Weyermann, B., O’Sullivan, L., & Wirz, M. (2019, May). Assessing usability of a prototype soft exoskeleton by involving people with gait impairments. World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) Congress, Geneva, Switzerland, 10-13 May 2019. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-17968
• Bauer, C., Pauli, C., Wirz, M., & Graf, E. (2019, May 11). Biomechanical effect of a soft biomimetic exoskeleton developed to improve gait after stroke. World Confederation of Physical Therapy Congress, Geneva, 10-13 May 2019. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-19170
• 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.
• Graf, E. S., Pauli, C., Erkens, L., Brinks, G., O’Sullivan, L., Wirz, M., Stadler, K. S., Ortiz, J., Bauer, C. M., Power, V., de Eyto, A., Bottenberg, E., Poliero, T., Sposito, M., Scherly, D., & Henke, R. (2018). Basic functionality of a prototype wearable assistive soft exoskeleton for people with gait impairments : a case study [Conference paper]. PETRA ’18 Proceedings of the 11th PErvasive Technologies Related to Assistive Environments Conference, 202–207. https://doi.org/10.1145/3197768.3197779
• Ortiz, J., Rocon, E., Power, V., de Eyto, A., O’Sullivan, L., Wirz, M., Bauer, C., Schülein, S., Stadler, K. S., Mazzolai, B., Teeuw, W. B., Baten, C., Nikamp, C., Buurke, J., Thorsteinsson, F., & Müller, J. (2017). XoSoft : a vision for a soft modular lower limb exoskeleton [Conference paper]. In J. González-Vargas, J. Ibáñez, J. Contreras-Vidal, H. van der Kooij, & J. Pons (Eds.), Wearable Robotics: Challenges and Trends : Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Wearable Robotics, WeRob2016, October 18-21, 2016, Segovia, Spain (pp. 83–88). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46532-6_14
• Wirz, M., Dietz, V., Esclarin, A., Benito, J., Mach, O., Schneider, S., Bastiaenen, C., & de Bie, R. (2015, May). Dose-response relationship of locomotor training in patients with spinal cord injury : preliminary results. World Confederation for Physical Therapy Congress 2015, Singapore, 1-4 May 2015. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-2735

Other publications

• Greppin-Bécherraz, C., Ribeiro, C., Schoeb, V., Wirz, M., Frey, S., & Haas, M. (2023). Évaluation finale du projet « Pas à Pas + ». Promotion Santé Suisse. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-32136
• Scheermesser, M., Graf, E., & Wirz, M. (2022). Ramsch und Preziosen : auf dem Weg zur Beurteilung der Qualität von Apps und Wearables für die Physiotherapie. Physioactive, 2022(6), 23–27. https://doi.org/10.5169/seals-1047054
• Nast, I., Carlander, M., Mattli, R., Rausch Osthoff, A.-K., Sommer, B., Wieber, F., Wirz, M., & Niedermann Schneider, K. (2020). Bewegung als Therapie : Schlussbericht im Auftrag des Bundesamts für Gesundheit (BAG). ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-22129
• Wirz, M., & De Bon, D. (2020). Robotik : erstes ambulantes Trainingszentrum. Physioactive, 56(4+5), 37–40. https://doi.org/10.5169/seals-928499
• Schmelzer, S., Hollenstein, E., Stahl, J., Wirz, M., Huber, M., Nast, I., & Liberatore, F. (2020). Task Shifting in der inter-professionellen Zusammenarbeit. ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-20950
• Nast, I., Mischker, A., Repschläger, U., Heine, M., Scheermesser, M., Wirz, M., & Schämann, A. (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), 69–79. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-0602-0947
• Schämann, A., Wirz, M., & Nast, I. (2018). Wissenschaftliche Methodik. Physiotherapie, 12–14. https://www.ifk.de/sites/default/files/redaktion/anhaenge/PT_Sonderdruck_Modellvorhaben_18.pdf
• Merki-Künzli, C., Kerstan-Huber, M., Switalla, D., Gisi, D., Raptis, D. A., Greco, N., Mungo, G., Wirz, M., Gloor, S., Misirlic, M., Breitenstein, S., & Tschuor, C. (2017). Assessing the Value of Prehabilitation in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery According to the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Pathway for the Improvement of Postoperative Outcomes: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 6(10). https://doi.org/10.2196/resprot.7972
• Kerstan, M., Gisi, D., & Wirz, M. (2015). Perioperative Physiotherapie bei kolorektalen Eingriffen. Physioactive, 2015(6), 23–28. https://doi.org/10.5169/seals-929013

Oral conference contributions and abstracts

• Riegler, T., Marcin, T., Guler, S. A., Wirz, M., Clack, L., Puhan, M. A., Brun, P., & Frei, A. (2025). Co-designing FILIP : the pulmonary fibrosis learning and self-management program [Conference presentation]. The European Respiratory Journal, 66(suppl 69), PA3006. https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2025.pa3006
• de Boer, C., & Wirz, M. (2025). Einsatz von Leitlinien in der physiotherapeutischen Nachbehandlung nach Knie-Totalendoprothese in der Schweiz [Conference presentation]. Physioscience, 21(S 03), S22. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0045-1812398
• Gränicher, P., Reicherzer, L., Wanivenhaus, F., Farshad, M., Spörri, J., Wirz, M., & Scherr, J. (2025). Supervised prehabilitation in patients scheduled for spinal surgery : a scoping review [Conference presentation]. Physioscience, 21(S 03), S4–S5. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0045-1812354
• Wieber, F., Nast, I., Carlander, M., Mattli, R., Rausch, A.-K., Sommer, B., Wirz, M., & Niedermann Schneider, K. (2022, September 5). Prescribing physical activity : status quo of the integration in Swiss healthcare system and international best practices. 17th Conference of the Swiss Psychological Society, Zurich, Switzerland, 4-6 September 2022. https://sps2022.psychologie.uzh.ch/symposia-monday-5-september-2022-1030-1200/
• 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
• Graf, E., Wirz, M., Pauli, C., & Bauer, C. (2021, July). Ankle kinematics during walking with a soft exoskeleton in people with dropfoot – a case series. XXVIII Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics, Online, 25-29 July 2021.
• Gloor, S., Misirlic, M., Frei-Lanter, C., Herzog, P., Müller, P., Schäfli-Thurnherr, J., Schregel, D., Lamdark, T., Wyss, R., Unger, I., Gisi, D., Greco, N., Mungo, G., Wirz, M., Raptis, D. A., Tschuor, C., & Breitenstein, S. (2021). Prehabilitation in patients undergoing colorectal surgery fails to confer reduction in overall morbidity : results of a single-center, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial [Conference presentation]. British Journal of Surgery, 108(Supplement 4). https://doi.org/10.1093/bjs/znab202.015
• Nast, I., Scheermesser, M., Wirz, M., & Schämann, A. (2019). Who makes the treatment choice? : a randomized controlled trial of a German model of primary care with greater physiotherapists’ autonomy. WCPT Congress Proceedings.
• Nast, I., Scheermesser, M., Bruderer-Hofstetter, M., Heinzmann Stettler, C. T., Saner-Bissig, J., Wirz, M., & Schämann, A. (2019). Advanced practice in physiotherapy : an actual literature overview. WCPT Congress Proceedings.
• Wirz, M. (2019, October 3). Bewegungstraining 4.0: Revigo als Living Lab für die Implementierung von technologie-basierter Therapie und Training. 1. Digital Health Lab Day, Wädenswil, 3. Oktober 2019. https://www.zhaw.ch/storage/hochschule/forschung/kooperationen/digital-health-lab/upload/Präsentationen_DHL_Day/191003_DHLD_Wirz.pdf
• Pauli, C., Graf, E., Wirz, M., & Bauer, C. (2019). Can off-the-shelf inertial measurement units measure gait kinematics in patients with gait limitations? [Conference presentation]. Gait & Posture, 73(Supplement 1), 284–285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.07.317
• Graf, E., & Wirz, M. (2018, October 4). Solving real life problems : bridging user needs and engineering for digital health solutions. Conference «Life in Numbers 4» - Building Bridges between Industrial and Academic Research, Wädenswil, 4 October 2018.
• Mattli, R., Schmidt, M., Wirz, M., & Dettling, M. (2017). Design of a prospective payment system for inpatient rehabilitation in Switzerland. 2017 International Health Economics Association (iHEA) Biennial World Congress, Boston, USA, 8-11 July 2017.
• Wirz, M., Bauer, C., Nast, I., Graf, E., & Schämann, A. (2016). Entwicklung, Implementierung und Evaluation neuer Technologien in der Physiotherapie. Abstractband Forschungssymposium Physiotherapie 2016.
• Wirz, M. (2015). Bedeutung der demographischen Veränderung für die stationäre und ambulante Rehabilitation. Kongress Reha Schweiz, Nottwil, 18.-19. Juni 2015.
• Atanasoski, S., Damjanović, M., Huber, M., Melloh, M., Rüesch, P., Wirz, M., & Becker, H. K. (2015). EU-Forschung : Workshop. Dreiländertagung: Health Universities, Winterthur, 10.-11. September 2015.
• Wirz, M. (2015). Bedeutung der Forschung in der Physiotherapie. Jubiläumsveranstaltung 25 Jahre University College Physiotherapy Thim van der Laan, Landquart, 24. September 2015.
• Graf, E., Kuster, R., Wirz, M., & Heinlein, B. (2015). Validity of the new Kinect-sensor in measuring upper body kinematics. 25th Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics (ISB 2015), Glasgow, UK, 12-16 July 2015.
• Wirz, M., & Müller, C. (2015). Neue Technologien in der Rehabilitation. Kongress Reha Schweiz, Nottwil, 18.-19. Juni 2015.

Research data

Graf, Eveline; De Bon, Dino; Stahl, Johanna; Degenfellner, Jürgen; Knechtle, Deborah; Zutter, Daniel; Liberatore, Florian; Wirz, Markus, 2025. Can technology-based gait training result in relevant changes of ambulatory function in people with chronic, neurological diagnoses? A longitudinal, cohort study. Zenodo. Available from: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15268425

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