Andrea Aegerter, PhD
Postdoc (Prof. Claudio Perret)
T +41 41 229 57 39 • Alpenquai 4, Room 6 • andrea.aegerter@unilu.ch
CV
Dr. sc. med. Andrea Martina Aegerter is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Lucerne, specializing in the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and pain. Her research aims to improve physical and mental well-being, with a particular focus on neck and back pain, physical activity, and work-related stress conditions in office workers. She earned her PhD from the University of Zurich after completing her Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Master of Science (MSc) in Physiotherapy at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences.
At the University of Lucerne, she currently serves as the operational lead and strategic co-lead of a project on personalized exercise for low back pain. Prior to this role, she worked on a project investigating the effects of workplace interventions on productivity and neck pain in office workers. She also led a follow-up project at the University of Bern, where workplace interventions were delivered in a digital format.
Dr. Aegerter serves or has served on the scientific committees of the International Back and Neck Pain Forum (2025), the Physioswiss Conference (2025), and the Europe Region Congress of World Physiotherapy (2026). A full publication record is available on her ORCID profile. In addition to her research activities, she teaches at several Swiss universities and continues to practice as a physiotherapist.
Publications
- Aegerter, A. (2025). Cost-utility and cost–benefit analysis of a multi-component intervention (NEXpro) for neck-related symptoms in Swiss office workers. BMC Public Health, 1, 160 ff. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-21103-6
- Aegerter, A. (2024). Occupational injuries and their sociodemographic, workplace, and behavioral determinants among large-scale factory workers in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study: Cad Saude Publica. Cad Saude Publica, 40 (8). https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311xen162923
- Ernst, M., Sax, N., Meichtry, A., Aegerter, M., Luomajoki, H., Luedtke, K., … Aegerter, A. M. (2023). Cervical musculoskeletal impairments and pressure pain sensitivity in office workers with headache. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 102816. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2023.102816
- Aegerter, A. M., Deforth, M., Volken, T., Johnston, V., Luomajoki, H., Dressel, H., … 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, 2, 288–300. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-022-10069-0
- Ernst, M., Klaus, S., Lüdtke, K., Gallina, A., Falla, D., Aegerter, A. M., … Zaugg, T. (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, 102685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102685
- Aegerter, A. M., & Luomajoki, H. (2021). Kollision mit Folgen : Fallbeispiel Schleudertrauma. physiopraxis, 4, 24–29. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1402-6870
- Aegerter, M., Deforth, M., Sjøgaard, G., Johnston, V., Volken, T., Luomajoki, H., … Aegerter, A. M. (2021). No evidence for a decrease in physical activity among Swiss office workers during COVID-19 : a longitudinal study. Frontiers in Psychology, 620307, 332 ff. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.620307
- Aegerter, A., Deforth, M., Johnston, V., Sjøgaard, G., Luomajoki, H., Volken, K., … Aegerter, A. M. (2021). No evidence for an effect of the first COVID-19 lockdown on work stress conditions in office workers. Eur J Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckab164.715
- Aegerter, A. M., Deforth, M., Johnston, V., Sjøgaard, G., Volken, T., Luomajoki, H., … Melloh, M. (2021). No evidence for an effect of working from home on neck pain and neck disability among Swiss office workers : short-term impact of COVID-19. European Spine Journal, 6, 1699–1707. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-021-06829-w
- Aegerter, A. M., Latif, S., Weishaupt, M., Gubler, B., Rast, F., Klose, A., … Bauer, C. (2020). An investigation into the association of the physical fitness of equestrians and their riding performance : a cross-sectional study. Comparative Exercise Physiology, 2, 137–145. https://doi.org/10.3920/CEP190052
- Aegerter, A. M., Deforth, M., Johnston, V., Ernst, M., Volken, T., Luomajoki, H., … Melloh, M. (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, 488. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-020-03507-8
- Aegerter, A. M., Deforth, M., Johnston, V., Ernst, M., Volken, T., Luomajoki, H., … 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, 391. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-020-03388-x
- Aegerter, A. M. (2020). Physiotherapeuten haben Defizite beim Erkennen von psychologischen Faktoren. Der Schmerzpatient, 1, 6–7. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1071-3468
- Luomajoki, H., & Aegerter, A. M. (2020). „Wait-and-see“ bei WAD? Der Schmerzpatient, 3, 137–143. Retrieved from https://digitalcollection.zhaw.ch/handle/11475/20221
- Aegerter, M., Luomajoki, H., & Aegerter, A. M. (2018). Neurogenes Thoracic Outlet Syndrom. pt Zeitschrift für Physiotherapeuten, 7, 62–71. Retrieved from https://digitalcollection.zhaw.ch/handle/11475/14515
- Aegerter, M., Kool, J., & Aegerter, A. M. (2016). Schmerzmessung durch Selbstbeurteilung bei älteren Menschen mit kognitiver Beeinträchtigung. Tumordiagnostik & Therapie, 9, 516–519. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-3211
- Aegerter, M., Kool, J., & Aegerter, A. M. (2016). Schmerzmessung durch Selbstbeurteilung bei älteren Menschen mit kognitiver Beeinträchtigung. Physioscience, 1, 26–29. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-3210
- Aegerter, A. (2024). Stepped Wedge Design Analyses under Pandemic`s Period Effect: Alternative Approach using Non-specific Neck Pain Intervention Data. In Matthew Kerry, Andrea Aegerter, Achim Elfering & Markus Melloh (Eds.), Healthcare and Medical Devices: Healthcare and Medical Devices, AHFE Open Access. New York: AHFE Open Access. https://doi.org/10.54941/ahfe1004841
- Aegerter, A. (2024). WeMoveVirtual: Results from a Brief Virtual Movement Intervention for Musculoskeletal Pain and Well-being in Knowledge Workers. In Andrea Martina Aegerter, Corina Schneider, Markus Melloh & Achim Elfering (Eds.), Human Factors and Wearable Technologies: Human Factors and Wearable Technologies, AHFE Open Access. New York: AHFE Open Access. https://doi.org/10.54941/ahfe1005055
- Aegerter, A. (2025). BYE-BYE NACKENSCHMERZEN. cogito.
- Aegerter, A. (9 September 2024). Bye-Bye Handy-Nacken! Glückspost.
- Aegerter, A. M., & Reinhard, F. (13 March 2024). Nackenschmerzen ade! Physioactive, 2023, 32–34. Retrieved from https://digitalcollection.zhaw.ch/handle/11475/28089
- Aegerter, A. M. (13 February 2024). An der wissenschaftlichen Arbeit gefällt mir die Abwechslung. ZHAW News.
- Aegerter, A. M. (13 February 2024). Rückenschmerzen – Oft sind es die Muskeln. SRF 1, Puls.
- Aegerter, A. M. (13 January 2024). Homeoffice – Auf Inspektion mit der Ergonomie-Expertin. SRF 1, Sendung Puls.
- Aegerter, A. M. (13 January 2024). Seit dieser Woche wieder im Büro? Dann aufgepasst: So verhindern Sie Nackenschmerzen im neuen Jahr. CH Media (20 verschiedene Zeitungen, u.a. St. Galler Tagblatt).
- Aegerter, A. M. (13 January 2024). So gibts keinen Handy-Daumen. Migros-Magazin.
- Aegerter, A. M. (2023). ChatGPT. Vitamin G.
- Aegerter, A. M. (2023). Multitasking ist immer eine Entscheidung. Coop-Zeitung.
- Aegerter, A. M. (2023). Nackenschmerzen ade. wahzup.
- Aegerter, A. M. (2023). Ufsteller: Nackenschmerzen. Radio24.
- Aegerter, A. M. (2022). Bye-bye Nackenschmerzen! Vitamin G.
- Aegerter, A. M. (2022). Der Rücken braucht keine teuren Spezialstühle. Saldo.
- Aegerter, A. M. (2021). Fit @ Home trotz Corona. SRF 1, Sendung Puls.
- Aegerter, A. M. (2020). Überprüfen Sie mal wieder ihr Homeoffice. SRF 1, Sendung Ratgeber.
- Aegerter, A. M. (2019). Wenn der Schmerz im Nacken sitzt. TagesAnzeiger, Berner Zeitung, Basler Zeitung, Der Bund, Der Landbote, Schweizer Familie etc.
- Aegerter, A. (6 July 2024). Evaluation of a multi-component intervention (NEXpro) to reduce neck pain and improve work productivity in office workers. Presented at the IFOMPT, Basel.
- Aegerter, A. (6 July 2024). High Burden of Back Pain among Equestrians and the Role of Flexibility: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study. Presented at the IFOMPT, Basel.
- Aegerter, A. (5 July 2024). A Multi-component Intervention (NEXpro) Reduces Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial Among Swiss Office Workers. Presented at the IFOMPT, Basel.
- Aegerter, A. (30 August 2023). Association of exercise frequency and type with neck pain intensity : a quantitative analysis in office workers. Presented at the 18th International Forum for Back and Neck Pain Research in Primary Care. https://doi.org/10.21256/ZHAW-28635
- Aegerter, A. (30 August 2023). Association of neck pain, neck disability, and fear avoidance beliefs with adherence to exercise : a quantitative analysis in office workers. Presented at the 18th International Forum for Back and Neck Pain Research in Primary Care. https://doi.org/10.21256/ZHAW-28633
- Aegerter, A. (30 August 2023). Nonspecific neck pain and physical factors of the neck : a quantitative analysis in office workers. Presented at the 18th International Forum for Back and Neck Pain Research in Primary Care. https://doi.org/10.21256/ZHAW-28634
- Aegerter, A. (9 August 2023). Moral judgement of triage decisions : individual vs. collective framing moderates age discrimination. Presented at the International Convention of Psychological Science.
- Aegerter, A. (6 October 2021). No evidence for an effect of the first COVID-19 lockdown on neck pain and neck disability among Swiss office workers. Presented at the Eurospine Congress. Retrieved from https://www.epostervienna.eurospine.org/cm_data/eposter/QF84.PDF
- Aegerter, A. (15 September 2021). Nackenschmerzen (NEXpro-Projekt). Presented at the Digital Health Lab Day.
- Aegerter, A. (15 November 2018). The association of riders’ physical fitness with riding performance. Presented at the 1st Swiss Sportfisio & Sports Med Conference. https://doi.org/10.21256/ZHAW-3208
- Aegerter, A. M. (2023). Nackenschmerzen bei Büroangestellten. Retrieved from https://www.zhaw.ch/gesundheit/nackenschmerzen
- Aegerter, A. M. (2023). Prevention and Intervention of Neck Pain in Swiss Office Workers (NEXpro). Retrieved from https://www.zhaw.ch/de/forschung/forschungsdatenbank/projektdetail/projektid/2908/
Achievements
- Cost-utility and cost-benefit analysis of a multi-component intervention (NEXpro) for neck-related symptoms in Swiss office workers. Poster, Konference i Nationalt netværk for Sundhed i Muskler og Led og Dansk Netværk for Sundhed i Ryggen 2025, Det Nationale Forskningscenter for Arbejdsmiljø, Koppenhagen, 2025
- Personalisiertes vs. unpersonalisiertes Übungsprogramm bei unspezifischen lumbalen Rückenschmerzen: Protokoll eines RCTs. (Panel) contribution, Exercise is Medicine: Ist Training der einzige Schlüssel zum Erfolg?, ZHAW Gesundheit, Winterthur, 2025
- Stepped wedge design analyses under pandemic`s period effect: Alternative approach using non-specific neck pain intervention data. (Panel) contribution, 15th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE), AHFE, Nizza, 2024
- The association of riders’ physical fitness with riding performance. Poster, 1st Swiss Sportfisio & Sports Med Conference, Sportfisio, Bern, 2018
- Non-specific low back pain: A protocol for a personalized back training program to improve functioning and reduce pain. (Panel) contribution, Forschungssymposium Gesundheit Luzern 2024, Universität Luzern, Luzern, 2024
- WeMoveVirtual: Results from a Brief Virtual Movement Intervention for Musculoskeletal Pain and Well-being in Knowledge Workers. (Panel) contribution, 15th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE), AHFE, Nizza, 2024
- A Multi-component Intervention (NEXpro) Reduces Neck Pain-related Work Productivity Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial Among Swiss Office Workers. (Panel) contribution, IFOMPT, IFOMPT, Basel, 2024
- Cervical musculoskeletal impairments and pressure pain sensitivity in office workers with headache. (Panel) contribution, IFOMPT, IFOMPT, Basel, 2024
- Moral judgement of triage decisions : individual vs. collective framing moderates age discrimination. Poster, International Convention of Psychological Science, International Convention of Psychological Science, Brussels, 2023
- Eine Intervention zur Reduktion von Arbeitsproduktivitätsverlusten aufgrund von Nackenschmerzen bei Schweizer Büroangestellten (NEXpro). (Panel) contribution, Public Health 3 Ländertagung, Public Health 3, Lindau, 2023
- Nonspecific neck pain and physical factors of the neck : a quantitative analysis in office workers. Poster, 18th International Forum for Back and Neck Pain Research in Primary Care, International Forum for Back and Neck Pain Research in Primary Care, Groningen, 2023
- Association of neck pain, neck disability, and fear avoidance beliefs with adherence to exercise : a quantitative analysis in office workers. Poster, 18th International Forum for Back and Neck Pain Research in Primary Care, International Forum for Back and Neck Pain Research in Primary Care, Groningen, 2023
- Association of exercise frequency and type with neck pain intensity : a quantitative analysis in office workers. Poster, 18th International Forum for Back and Neck Pain Research in Primary Care, International Forum for Back and Neck Pain Research in Primary Care, Groningen, 2023
- A Multi-Component Intervention (NEXpro) Reduces Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial Among Swiss Office Workers. (Panel) contribution, International Scientific Conference on the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (PREMUS), PREMUS, Bengaluru, 2023
- A multi-component intervention (NEXpro) reduces neck pain-related work produc-tivity loss: A randomized controlled trial among Swiss office workers. (Panel) contribution, 7. Internationale Konferenz «Arbeit und Gesundheit», FHNW, Olten, 2022
- Does the home office workstation meet recommended guidelines in a sample of Swiss office workers? (Panel) contribution, 7. Internationale Konferenz «Arbeit und Gesundheit», FHNW, Olten, 2022
- No evidence for an effect of the first COVID-19 lockdown on neck pain and neck disability among Swiss office workers. Poster, Eurospine Congress, Eurospine, Wien, 2021
- No evidence for an effect of the first COVID-19 lockdown on neck pain and neck disability among Swiss office workers. (Panel) contribution, Eurospine Congress, Eurospine, Wien, 2021
- No evidence for an effect of the first COVID-19 lockdown on work stress conditions in office workers. (Panel) contribution, European Public Health Conference, European Public Health Conference, Virtuell, 2021
- Equinus Health – Denkanstösse für Pferd und Reiter. Lecture, 3. Symposium Hippotherapie, ZHAW Gesundheit, Winterthur, 2023
- Die Promotionsarbeit loslassen. Presentation, Empowerment für die Promotion in den Therapiewissenschaften, Verein zur Förderung der Wissenschaft in den Gesundheitsberufen, Online, 2023
- Nackenschmerzen bei Büroangestellten. ScienceFlashTalk, SSPH+ Faculty Meeting, SSPH+, Zürich, 2022
- 19th International Forum for Back and Neck Pain Research in Primary Care (IBNP Forum 2025), Mitglied wissenschaftliches Komitee, Member of organisation committee, Davos, 2025
- Physioswiss-Kongress 2025, Member of organisation committee, Schweiz, 2025
- NEXpro Projektabschluss-Event : Meilensteine, Lessons learned und Projektausblick, Event chair, Winterthur, 2023
- Swiss Pain Society (SPS), Member, Switzerland, 2024–
- European Pain Federation (EFIC), Member, Switzerland, 2023–
- International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), Member, Switzerland, 2023–
- Schweizerischer Physiotherapie Verband Physioswiss, Member, Switzerland, 2022–
- Sport & Exercise Medicine Switzerland SEMS, Member, Switzerland, 2019–
- Swiss Association of Orthopaedic Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy SVOMP, Member, Switzerland, 2018–
