SRH University
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Substitute professor of physiotherapy

Dr. Karl Lorenz Konrad

Substitute professor of physiotherapy

E-Mail: [email protected]
Phone: +49 6221 6799 163
A man with medium-length gray hair and a beard is wearing a black polo shirt and a blue blazer. He is smiling warmly.
About me

About me

Dr Karl Lorenz Konrad has been working as a visiting professor of physiotherapy on the integrated training programme at SRH University, Stuttgart Campus, since 15 February 2026.

Following his training as a massage therapist and medical spa therapist in 2004, Dr Konrad completed a BSc in Physiotherapy at PHPN Kreuzlingen (CH) in 2010 alongside his clinical work, and an MSc in Physical Therapy Sciences at University College Thim van der Laan in Landquart (CH) in 2013.

Between 2017 and 2025, in addition to his clinical work, Dr Konrad worked as an independent researcher and PhD candidate at both the Free University of Brussels (VUB) (Belgium) and at Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) in Munich on the collaborative project ‘Effects of whole-body electrical muscle stimulation on people with chronic non-specific low back pain (EMBUR)’. In September 2025, he completed his PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy at the Free University of Brussels (Belgium).

He is actively involved in therapeutic research and publishes in national and international journals and at conferences. His research focuses, among other things, on physical therapy methods such as electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapy.

Memberships

Association for Physiotherapy (VPT)

European College of Sport Sciences (ECSS)

German Society for Physiotherapy Science (DGPTW)

Training
  • 2025 PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy
  • 2023 Master’s in Physical Therapy Science
  • 2010 Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
  • 2004 Medical Masseur and Spa Therapist
Career history
  • Since 2019: Independent research associate at the Free University of Brussels (VUB)
  • Since 2016: Visiting researcher at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
  • Since 2012: Establishment and management of a department for therapy research within the KLK practice.
  • Since 2004: Self-employed in the fields of physiotherapy, naturopathy and osteopathy.
  • April 2018–April 2026: Specialist lecturer at the Döpfer Vocational School for Physiotherapy, Munich.
Excerpt

I have contributed to these publications


Peer reviewer for the following journals

Frontiers of Physiology                                                                 IF: 3,4
Korean Journal of Pain                                                                 IF: 3,1
Cureus (Springer Nature)                                                            IF: 1,3
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation         IF: 1,7


Articles in peer-reviewed journals

Konrad, K. L., Sadoghi P., Konrad J. B., Cattrysse E., Baeyens J.-P., Wegener B.. (July 21, 2025) Low-Frequency Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) for Nonspecific Chronic Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus 17(7): e88462. doi:10.7759/cureus.88462

Konrad, K. L., Weissenfels, A., Birkenmaier, C., Baeyens, J.-P., Kemmler, W., & Wegener, B. (2024). The impact of baseline pain intensity on the effectiveness of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) for nonspecific chronic back pain. Cureus, 16, e57858. doi.org/10.7759/cureus.57858

Konrad, K. L., Baeyens, J.-P., Birkenmaier, C., Ranker, A., Widmann, J., Leukert, J., Wenisch, L., Kraft, E., Jansson, V., & Wegener, B. (2020). The effects of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) in patients with non-specific chronic back pain, in comparison to a multimodal low back pain concept - a prospective clinical intervention study. PLoS ONE, 15(8), e0236780. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0236780 

Kemmler, W., Weissenfels, A., Willert, S., Fröhlich, M., Ludwig, O., Berger, J., Zart, S., Becker, S., Backfisch, M., Kleinöder, H., Dörrmann, U., Wirtz, N., Wegener, B., Konrad, K. L., Eifler, C., Krug, J., Zinner, C., Müller, S., Vatter, J., & Authenrieth, S. (2019). Recommended contraindications for the use of non-medical WB-electromyostimulation: Recommendations of contraindications for whole-body electromyostimulation in a commercial, non-medical setting. Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin, 70, 278-281. doi.org/10.5960/dzsm.2019.401 


Conference papers

Konrad, K. L., Sadoghi P., Konrad J. B., Cattrysse E., Baeyens J.-P., Wegener B.. (2025) Wirksamkeit von Ganzkörper-Elektromyos!mula!on bei unspezifischen chronischen Rückenschmerzen: Systema!sches Review und Meta-Analyse. Deutscher Kongress für Physikalische und Rehabilitative Medizin, 25. bis 27. September 2025 in Weimar (Oral Presentation, Nominiert als „Best Abstract“)

Konrad, K. L., Sadoghi P., Konrad J. B., Cattrysse E., Baeyens J.-P., Wegener B.. (2025) Efficacy of Low-Frequency Whole-Body Electromyostimulation in Nonspecific Chronic Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. 16th Congress of the Mediterranean Forum of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 18. bis 21. September in Šibenik, Croatia (Poster)

Konrad, K. L., Weissenfels, A. (contributed equally), Jean-Pierre Baeyens, Kemmler, W., Wegener, B. (2022), Ganzkörperelektromyostimulation (WB-EMS) bei unspezifischen chronischen Rückenschmerzen: Patienten mit welcher initialen Schmerzintensität profitieren am meisten?, Deutscher Schmerzkongress, 19.–22. Oktober 2022, Mannheim (Oral).

Konrad, K. L., Weissenfels, A. (contributed equally), Jean-Pierre Baeyens, Kemmler, W., Wegener, B. (2022), Ganzkörperelektromyostimulation (WB-EMS) als Therapie chronisch unspezifischer Rückenschmerzen: Patienten mit welcher initialen Schmerzintensität profitieren am meisten?, Forschungssymposium Physiotherapie, 30. September – 1. Oktober 2022, Freiburg im Breisgau (Poster).

Konrad, K. L., Weissenfels, A. (contributed equally), Jean-Pierre Baeyens, Kemmler, W., Wegener, B. (2022), Ganzkörperelektromyostimulation (WB-EMS) als Therapie chronisch unspezifischer Rückenschmerzen: Patienten mit welcher initialen Schmerzintensität profitieren am meisten?, Deutscher Kongress für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie (DKOU), 25.–28. Oktober 2022, Berlin (Oral presentation).

Konrad, K. L., & Weissenfels, A., Baeyens, J.-P., Kemmler, W., & Wegener, B. (2022). Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) in nonspecific chronic back pain: Who benefits the most? 16th World Congress of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM), 06. Juli 2022, Lisbon, Portugal. (Oral presentation). J Int Soc Phys Rehabil Med 2022;5:119. doi.org/10.4103/2349-7904.351394

Konrad, K. L., Baeyens, J.-P., Birkenmaier, C., Ranker, A., Widmann, J., & Leukert, J., et al. (2020). Die Effekte von Ganzkörper-Elektromyostimulation (WB-EMS) bei Patienten mit unspezifischen chronischen Rückenschmerzen im Vergleich zu einem multimodalen Therapiekonzept. Sports Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 36(2), 195-196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orthtr.2020.04.113

Konrad, K. L., Baeyens, J.-P., Birkenmaier, C., Ranker, A., Widmann, J., & Leukert, J., et al. (2019). Die Effekte der Ganzkörper-Elektromyostimulation (WB-EMS) bei Patienten mit unspezifischen chronischen Rückenschmerzen im Vergleich zu einem multimodalen Therapiekonzept. Deutscher Kongress für Physikalische und Rehabilitative Medizin: 124. Jahreskongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Physikalische und Rehabilitative Medizin. München.

Konrad, K. L., Baeyens, J.-P., Birkenmaier, C., Leukert, J., Kraft, E., Jansson, V., & Wegener, B. (2019). The effects of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) training in comparison to a multimodal low back pain concept: A clinical intervention trial in patients with chronic back pain. In V. Bunc, & E. Tsolakidis (Eds.), Book of Abstracts: 24th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science, 3-6 July 2019, Prague, Czech Republic (pp. 512-513). Cologne, Germany: European College of Sport Science.

Konrad, K. L., Baeyens, J.-P., Jansson, V., & Wegener, B. (2019). The effects of electrical whole body muscle stimulation (WB-EMS) in patients with chronic unspecific back pain: A controlled clinical intervention study. In B. Sperlich, P. Kunz, & P. Düking (Eds.), German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research: Book of Abstract–German Exercise Science & Training Conference (GEST19) of the German Society of Sport Science (dvs), February 20th–22nd 2019 (Vol. 49, pp. S1-S1). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-019-00567-4 

Konrad, K. L., Baeyens, J.-P., & Wegener, B. (2018). The effects of electrical whole-body muscle stimulation (WB-EMS) in patients with chronic unspecific back pain: A controlled clinical intervention study. 1st (Italian) National EMS-Congress, 01. December 2018, Milano, Italy. (Invited Oral).

Konrad, K. L., Baeyens, J.-P., Ranker, A., Widmann, J., Jansson, V., & Wegener, B. (2018). Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) training in patients with chronic unspecific back pain. In M. Murphy, C. Boreham, G. De Vito, & E. Tsolakidis (Eds.), Book of Abstracts: of the 23rd Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science, 4th - 7th July 2018, Dublin, Ireland (p. 129). Cologne, Germany: European College of Sport Science.

Konrad, K. L., & Schmidtbleicher, D. (2014). Ultraschall-induzierte Modulation von kollagenem Gewebe zur Behandlung des Karpaltunnelsyndroms (KTS): Eine klinische Vorstudie. 19. Jahrestagung des DAHTH e.V., gemeinsam mit dem 55. Kongress der deutschen Gesellschaft für Handchirurgie, 9.–11. Oktober 2014, Baden Baden. (Invited Oral).

Konrad, K. L., & Schmidtbleicher, D. (2014). Ultrasound-induced modulation of collagen tissue as treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS): A clinical pre study. Bundeskongress Physiotherapie 2014; Kongress des deutschen Verbandes für Physiotherapie, 18.-20. September 2014, Berlin. (Poster and short oral presentation). https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.30634.06086

Konrad, K. L. (2013). Modulation einer isolierten Schweinesehne mittels ultraschallinduzierter Wärme: Ein Laborversuch zur Verformbarkeit von kollagenem Gewebe bei 42°C. „CONNECT 2013“ Connective Tissues in Sports Medicine; Internationaler Kongress an der Universität Ulm, 12.-14. April 2013. (Poster and short oral presentation). https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.27698.04802/1


Publication / Artistic and design publication

  • 2025 Konrad, K. L., Sadoghi, P., Konrad, J. B., Cattrysse, E., Baeyens, J.-P., & Wegener, B. (2025). Wirksamkeit von Ganzkörper-Elektromyostimulation bei unspezifischen chronischen Rückenschmerzen: Systematisches Review und Meta-Analyse. Deutscher Kongress für Physikalische und Rehabilitative Medizin, Weimar. (Oral Presentation, nominiert als „Best Abstract“).
  • 2025 Konrad, K. L., Sadoghi, P., Konrad, J. B., Cattrysse, E., Baeyens, J.-P., & Wegener, B. (2025). Efficacy of Low-Frequency Whole-Body Electromyostimulation in Nonspecific Chronic Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. 16th Congress of the Mediterranean Forum of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Šibenik, Croatia. (Poster).
  • 2025 Konrad, K. L., Sadoghi, P., Konrad, J. B., Cattrysse, E., Baeyens, J.-P., & Wegener, B. (2025). Low-Frequency Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) for Nonspecific Chronic Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus, 17(7), e88462. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.88462
  • 2024 Konrad, K. L., Weissenfels, A., Birkenmaier, C., Baeyens, J.-P., Kemmler, W., & Wegener, B. (2024). The impact of baseline pain intensity on the effectiveness of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) for nonspecific chronic back pain. Cureus, 16, e57858. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.57858
  • 2022 Konrad, K. L., Weissenfels, A., Baeyens, J.-P., Kemmler, W., & Wegener, B. (2022). Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) in nonspecific chronic back pain: Who benefits the most? ISPRM World Congress, Lisbon. https://doi.org/10.4103/2349-7904.351394
  • 2020 Konrad, K. L., Baeyens, J.-P., Birkenmaier, C., Ranker, A., Widmann, J., Leukert, J., Wenisch, L., Kraft, E., Jansson, V., & Wegener, B. (2020). The effects of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) in patients with non-specific chronic back pain. PLoS ONE, 15(8), e0236780. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0236780
  • 2020 Konrad, K. L., Baeyens, J.-P., Birkenmaier, C., Ranker, A., Widmann, J., Leukert, J., et al. (2020). Die Effekte von Ganzkörper-Elektromyostimulation (WB-EMS) bei Patienten mit unspezifischen chronischen Rückenschmerzen. Sports Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 36(2), 195–196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orthtr.2020.04.113
  • 2019 Kemmler, W., et al. (2019). Recommended contraindications for the use of non-medical WB-electromyostimulation. Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin, 70, 278–281. https://doi.org/10.5960/dzsm.2019.401
  • 2019 Konrad, K. L., et al. (2019). Die Effekte der Ganzkörper-Elektromyostimulation (WB-EMS) bei Patienten mit unspezifischen chronischen Rückenschmerzen. Deutscher Kongress für Physikalische und Rehabilitative Medizin, München.
  • 2019 Konrad, K. L., et al. (2019). The effects of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) training in comparison to a multimodal low back pain concept. ECSS Congress, Prague.
  • 2019 Konrad, K. L., Baeyens, J.-P., Jansson, V., & Wegener, B. (2019). The effects of electrical whole body muscle stimulation (WB-EMS) in patients with chronic unspecific back pain. German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research, 49, S1–S1. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-019-00567-4
  • 2018 Konrad, K. L., Baeyens, J.-P., & Wegener, B. (2018). The effects of electrical whole-body muscle stimulation (WB-EMS) in patients with chronic unspecific back pain. Italian National EMS-Congress, Milano.
  • 2018 Konrad, K. L., Baeyens, J.-P., Ranker, A., Widmann, J., Jansson, V., & Wegener, B. (2018). Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) training in patients with chronic unspecific back pain. ECSS Congress, Dublin.
  • 2014 Konrad, K. L., & Schmidtbleicher, D. (2014). Ultraschall-induzierte Modulation von kollagenem Gewebe zur Behandlung des Karpaltunnelsyndroms (KTS). DAHTH Jahrestagung, Baden-Baden.
  • 2014 Konrad, K. L., & Schmidtbleicher, D. (2014). Ultrasound-induced modulation of collagen tissue as treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Bundeskongress Physiotherapie, Berlin. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.30634.06086
  • 2013 Konrad, K. L. (2013). Modulation einer isolierten Schweinesehne mittels ultraschallinduzierter Wärme. CONNECT 2013, Universität Ulm. doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.27698.04802/1