Markus Wirz

Prof. Dr. Markus Wirz is a leading academic in physiotherapy and rehabilitation at the ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, where he has served as Head of Research and Development at the Institute of Physiotherapy since 2009. His career spans clinical leadership at the University Hospital Balgrist (2002–2014) and academic roles at the School of Physiotherapy, University Hospital Berne (1999–2005). He holds a PhD in Health, Medicine and Life Sciences from Maastricht University (2013) and a Master of Science in Physiotherapy (2008).

• Research Focus: Clinical assessments, spinal cord injury rehabilitation, integration of new technologies (e.g., soft exoskeletons), health-enhancing physical activity.
• Awards: Physioscience-Award (2024), Ludwig-Guttmann-Award (2011, 2005), PhD-Grant (2012).
• Recent Publications: Explored tech-based gait training, fall prevention programs, post-COVID clinics, and stroke rehabilitation using soft robotics.

Labs & Teams: Collaborates with the Swiss RehabTech Initiative, focusing on intensive rehabilitation technologies for sub-acute stroke patients. His work bridges clinical practice, engineering, and health economics.