Nathanael Lutz

• PhD
• Bern University of Applied Sciences

Introduction This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluated the association between pain intensity and different body composition measures in adults suffering from chronic non‐specific low back pain (CNLBP). Methods A systematic literature search across five databases—PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library—was conduct...

Background Most of the worldwide population is overweight and suffers from the resulting musculoskeletal comorbidities such as knee osteoarthritis or back pain. Practice guidelines recommend weight loss interventions for individuals suffering from these conditions. This systematic review investigated whether including a weight loss intervention in...

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and manual tests remain the standard for diagnosing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Furthermore, the passive knee displacement, also described as anterior tibial translation (ATT), is used in order to make decisions about surgery or to assess rehabilitation outcomes. Unfortunately, these manual...

Aims of the study: Structured exercise, education, weight management and painkiller prescription are guideline recommended non-surgical treatments for patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. Despite its endorsement, uptake of guideline recommended non-surgical treatments remains low. It is unknown whether the implementation of these treatment...

Background Decision makers want to know if there is a financial benefit in investing scarce resources in occupational health management (OHM). Economic evaluations (EEs) of OHM-strategies try to answer this question. However, EEs of OHM-strategies which are strongly marked by quantitative methods may be limited by contextual, qualitative residuals....

Background Mechanical forces and joint misalignment are considered risk factors for the development of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Early detection of KOA and distinction between lateral and medial compartment overloading (CO), might be important to inform appropriate preventative interventions. This study evaluated reliability and validity of a test...

Background and aims Previously, we determined that training with vibrotactile feedback (VTfb) of trunk sway improves MS patients' balance impairment. Here, we posed 5 questions: 1) How many weeks of VTfb training are required to obtain the best short-term carry over effect (CoE) with VTfb? 2) How long does the CoE last once VTfb training terminates...

Background and aims: Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from diminished balance control. We examined whether 4 sessions of training with vibrotactile biofeedback (VTfb) of trunk sway could improve their balance control and provide a carry-over effect. Methods: Baseline trunk sway was first measured for 15 MS patients. Then they received h...

Objective To investigate the effect of replacing canes with an elasticated orthotic-garment on balance and gait-function in chronic stroke survivors. Design Experimental, N-of-1 series with a replicated, ABC design with randomised phase duration in a home setting. Participants Four cane using chronic stroke survivors (P1-4). Interventions Phase...

Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of an influenza vaccination program (IVP) among employees. Methods: This health economic evaluation was embedded in a prospective cohort study of a voluntary IVP. Data on incidence, direct and indirect costs were collected via questionnaires. Bootstrapping and modelling techniques were used to assess...

Objective The workplace is an ideal setting to implement public health strategies, but economic justification for such interventions is needed. Therefore, we performed a critical appraisal and synthesis of health economic evaluations (HEE) of workplace interventions aiming to increase physical activity (PA) and/or decrease sedentary behavior (SB)....

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the evidence regarding economic evaluations of worksite health promotion programs in Europe. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the literature search, study selection, data extraction and quality appraisal were performed independent...