Programme schedule

The scientific programme of the conference will take place from 8 to 12 September. 

Keynotes from renowned speakers will provide insights into the current state of knowledge and trends in the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Participants will have the opportunity to present and discuss their research in a total of 52 parallel oral sessions or in poster sessions during  lunch breaks or additional symposia. 

On Monday 8 September, participants have the opportunity to take part in pre-conference workshops, followed by a get-together in a historic University building in the heart of Tübingen's old town.

The gala dinner on Thursday and the excursions on Friday afternoon round off the conference.  

Preliminary Schedule 

Conference Topics

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain one of the leading causes of work-related disability worldwide. At PREMUS 2025, we will explore a wide range of topics addressing the prevention, assessment, and management of work-related MSDs in an ever-changing work environment.

The following conference topics highlight current research, innovative interventions, and multidisciplinary approaches aimed at reducing the burden of MSDs in the workplace. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers are encouraged to submit abstracts that align with these topics.

Click on a topic below to read more about its focus and relevance to PREMUS 2025.

Interested in submitting an abstract? Visit the Abstract Submission page for more details.

In many societies, the average age is increasing significantly, which means that the proportion of older workers in companies is rising. The risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in older employees increases due to reduced physical capacity compared to younger employees (less strength, longer recovery time). Contributions on the significance of this development for the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and how to counteract it are welcome.

This topic addresses the biology/physiology (including biomechanics) of work-related musculoskeletal disorders to improve understanding of the pathogenesis and risk-factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

This topic deals with constrained postures that characterize certain occupations. For example, white collar jobs that mainly include office workers performing work while sitting, or blue-collar jobs that include the more physically demanding occupations (like painting, assembling).

Interdisciplinary topic examining the multiple factors that influence the risk and prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Key issues include the challenges faced by older workers, increasing numbers of women in traditionally male-dominated occupations, impact of gender and socioeconomic status on work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and challenges associated with shortages of skilled workers and work-related migration.

This topic addresses interventions that use new technologies (hardware and software) to provide content and enable access to users for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

The topic refers to all effects on preventive measures for workers’ musculoskeletal system related to the compensation systems.

This topic assigns contributions to the epidemiology of work-related musculoskeletal disorders for further improving our understanding of the prevalence, incidence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

This topic highlights the prevalence, causes and impacts of work-related musculoskeletal disorders on workers worldwide. It is related to regional disparities, economic costs, strategies for prevention and management, and how work-related musculoskeletal disorders affect both individuals and companies

This topic is about understanding the local and global economic impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders on governments, companies and individuals

This topic may involve research methods such as action research, systems thinking, artificial intelligence, or research-to-action labs. An example could be mobility in public space.

This topic includes all aspects of implementation research in the field of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

This topic deals with the burden of MSD related to working conditions for workers in the informal sector.

This topic deals with research findings related to occupational diseases of the musculoskeletal system (e.g., interaction compensation system with individual prevention).

Interdisciplinary topic discussing practical issues and case studies related to work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Participants are invited to share their experiences and specific practical examples on how to address issues related to work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

This topic explores psychosocial dimensions of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, focusing, for example, on how workplace stress, job satisfaction and social support influence the development and management of these conditions. Papers are encouraged to provide insight into the psychological and social factors that contribute to work-related musculoskeletal disorders, strategies for creating a supportive work environment to reduce these risks, or practical recommendations for integrating psychosocial considerations into workplace ergonomics programs.

This topic is about the impact of robotics and exoskeletons on assisting workers in work processes with potential musculoskeletal hazards.

Risk assessment of musculoskeletal loads at work and related tools are important for the identification of health risks and preventive work design. Research on these assessment tools (reliability, validity) should contribute in this topic.

Interdisciplinary topic dealing with health inequities, deprivation and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Contributions addressing, for example, the subsequent issues are welcome: understanding drivers of poor work-related musculoskeletal disorders health, identification of vulnerable groups, interventions reducing health inequalities in work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

This topic explores strategies, interventions and best practice examples for successful return-to-work and rehabilitation programs, including innovative approaches, and practical tools to help employees to return to work after recovery or with persisting work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Contributions could highlight the collaborative efforts of employers, healthcare providers, and employees to foster a supportive and effective return-to-work environment. Contributions may focus, for example, on low back pain, knee replacement or hip replacement.

This topic deals with surrogate parameters serving as proxies for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Surrogate parameters are important for assessing the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders without intensive and time-consuming longitudinal approaches. However, knowledge of their validity is essential.

After the Covid-19 pandemic, these new ways of working have become an essential part in many companies. This topic addresses working conditions at home or related to location-independent work that pose the worker at risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

This session will explore the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders by bridging the gap between scientific research and public policy. Papers are encouraged to discuss, for example, how public policy, participatory and transdisciplinary research approaches can enhance the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

This topic addresses wearable technology that enables the (continuous) assessment of work-related exposures throughout a complete working day. Contributions will increase our understanding on the strengths and limitations of the current technologies.

This topic focuses on the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders through comprehensive interventions, including tailored education and exercise programs. Contributions could also emphasize the importance of individualized prevention strategies, such as improving health literacy or developing structured and effective exercise programs (e.g., prevention of knee and back pain).