As the excitement builds for CES 2025, the global stage for innovation and technology, we are thrilled to highlight a conversation with Nan-Wei Gong, the visionary founder and CEO of FIGUR8 and René Quashie Vice President, Digital Health at the Consumer Technology Association. 

CES is known for showcasing groundbreaking advancements, and FIGUR8 is no exception. In this exclusive interview, Nan-Wei shares how FIGUR8’s bioMotion Assessment Platform (bMAP) is redefining musculoskeletal (MSK) care by creating a common language across providers, patients, and payers. With technology designed to empower clinicians and enhance recovery outcomes, FIGUR8 is paving the way for a future of precision in MSK health.

Please describe what your company does and what role it plays in the healthcare system?

FIGUR8 is a technology company that’s redefining musculoskeletal (MSK) health through precision measurement and data-driven insights. We developed the bioMotion Assessment Platform (bMAP), which captures objective biomechanical data on joint motion and muscle function in real-time and is a cornerstone in the foundational dataset that feeds into the generative AI tools that our team is able to provide FIGUR8-enabled clinicians. This dataset helps clinicians make more accurate diagnoses, create tailored treatment plans, and monitor patient progress with clear, quantifiable metrics. In a healthcare system where MSK disorders are one of the top cost drivers, FIGUR8 aims to bring clarity and precision to an area that has long relied on subjective assessments and patient reported outcome. Our mission is to create a common language for MSK health, uniting providers, patients, and payers around a shared standard of care.

In the last two years, what has been the environment like for emerging companies like yours?

The environment has been both exciting and challenging for emerging companies like FIGUR8. The healthcare industry is increasingly recognizing the value of data-driven insights and precision tools, especially in areas like MSK care which drive huge costs both financially and physically across all populations. This shift of recognition when it comes to the value of technology integrated care has created an openness to new and changing technologies, but it has also made the landscape more competitive as many companies seek to capitalize on digital health innovation. While there’s great opportunity, it requires resilience and adaptability to stand out, build trust, and make a lasting impact in an industry undergoing rapid transformation.

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a founder?

One of the biggest challenges I have faced as a founder specifically at FIGUR8 is balancing innovation with market readiness. As an engineer out of the MIT Media lab, pushing the boundaries of what is possible using technology is part of my ethos. Healthcare is a complex landscape and being thoughtful about bringing in technology means ensuring we have decades, not months or years, of research to support the process changes we are forcing to raise the standard of care. FIGUR8 has a unique, groundbreaking technology, and bringing it to a traditional field like MSK care means navigating a complex landscape of healthcare providers, insurance payers, and regulatory requirements. 

Another fun challenge founding FIGUR8 has been the constant focus on building a team that aligns with both our technical needs and our mission to transform the standard of care in MSK health. Scaling the team and company culture while maintaining our focus on innovation and quality has been challenging but rewarding. It is important to maintain clinical rigor and consistently contribute a stream of validation via research which means having the right team guide and safeguard our quality processes. 

Lastly, educating the market on the importance of objective MSK data and the potential impact of FIGUR8 has required persistence and patience. Artificial Intelligence is exciting, and you see different companies popping up all the time promising to deliver impact. The reality is, FIGUR8 has a foundational dataset of objective MSK health biomarkers that are validated to be comparable to the gold standard in biomechanics data capture. Because of this, our team has the ability to set a new standard of care and reporting in managing joint and muscle health in an unparalleled way. 

What are some things you wished you had known when you started your company?

It is hard to say there is much I “wish I had known” since part of being an entrepreneur is embracing what you do not know and enjoying the challenge. 

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of being truly human-centered and provider-focused in designing technology. Early on, we were so focused on building an innovative product that it could sometimes be easy to overlook how critical it is to prioritize the day-to-day experiences of healthcare providers who would be using the devices. 

The technology was born in a lab that has focused decades of research on wearable and the focus was always data quality. I wish I had known just how essential it is to deeply understand their workflows, pain points, and the nuances of patient care from their perspective. That information has come and empowering the right team members to push for human-centered design has been a huge part of our success. Technology in healthcare can’t just be innovative; it has to fit seamlessly into the provider’s workflow and genuinely enhance their ability to deliver care. By designing with the provider's experience in mind, we build trust, improve adoption, and ultimately create a solution that resonates with both providers and patients. That human-centered approach has been transformative in how FIGUR8 develops technology today.

From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges facing the healthcare system when it comes to technology adoption and innovation?

One of the biggest challenges in healthcare is the fragmented nature of the system, which can make technology and process integration complex. Different stakeholders—providers, payers, regulators—often operate in silos, which can slow down technology adoption. The needs are also different particularly when it comes to the value of the technology. 

For example, the type of data and level of detail needed in FIGUR8 reporting is different for a physical therapist, a case manager in insurance and a patient recovering from injury. They all want to understand recovery, but their needs are different. The way the information captured during a recovery assessment is shared has to be personalized to the individual stakeholders level of need and understanding. 

Additionally, when it comes to adoption of anything different or new in healthcare there’s a general resistance to change due to the perception that new technologies might disrupt established workflows or add time to patient interactions. In healthcare, any technology needs to show clear, measurable benefits not just for patient outcomes but also in terms of cost savings, efficiency, and quality of care to justify any workflow disruption. Overcoming these hurdles requires consistent education, strong data to demonstrate value, and often, strategic partnerships with established players who can advocate for the technology which luckily has been a relatively smooth process of overcoming since FIGUR8 entered the market.

As you look forward 3-5 years, how do you anticipate technology will have changed healthcare—if at all?

In the next 3-5 years, I anticipate that technology will drive healthcare to become more personalized, predictive, and preventive. Data-driven solutions will empower providers to make faster, more accurate diagnoses and allow patients to take a more active role in their own health. I see the use of wearable and remote monitoring devices becoming the norm, providing real-time insights that will enable early intervention and improve outcomes. I also believe that we’ll see a shift towards value-based care models, where technology like FIGUR8’s objective MSK assessments can help demonstrate outcomes, reduce costs, and improve quality of life for patients. Technology will not only make healthcare more efficient but also more human-centered by creating a common language across the care team, enhancing collaboration, and ultimately elevating the standard of care.

As CES 2025 approaches, the spotlight is on innovators like Nan-Wei Gong, who are transforming healthcare through cutting-edge technology. Nan-Wei will be taking the stage at CES to discuss how FIGUR8 is setting a new standard in musculoskeletal care, merging data-driven insights with clinical expertise to elevate recovery outcomes. Stay tuned for her presentation at CES and discover how FIGUR8 is shaping the future of healthcare. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most forward-thinking leaders in the industry!

Interested in learning more about FIGUR8 and raising the standard of care in musculoskeletal health? Reach out to the team at info@FIGUR8tech.com!

Reflections from Med Tech Founders with Nan-Wei Gong, Founder and CEO of FIGUR8

This case study of a kennel assistant with a back injury illustrates how FIGUR8 enhances the experience across the board—for providers, patients, and payers alike.

In the complex world of workers' compensation and musculoskeletal (MSK) care, achieving optimal recovery outcomes means addressing not just the physical injury but the psychological, emotional, and financial aspects of healing as well. FIGUR8’s innovative bioMotion Assessment Platform (bMAP) is transforming the way providers, patients, and payers navigate this journey. Through objective, data-driven insights, FIGUR8 supports more accurate, personalized care that accelerates recovery, reduces costs, and empowers all stakeholders involved.

The patient, a kennel assistant, suffered a back injury while lifting a heavy dog at work. Initially, she took a few days off work before returning to light duty. Despite visiting her primary care physician (PCP) and receiving a physical therapy (PT) referral, no imaging was performed. Her pain persisted, prompting her to begin a structured PT regimen to support and expedite her full return-to-work and recovery.

For the physical therapist managing this case, FIGUR8 was a powerful tool for guiding treatment and tracking progress. The platform provided objective, quantitative data on the patient’s MSK function over time, helping the provider make informed decisions about her readiness for discharge.

With FIGUR8’s data, the provider could clearly see the patient’s improvements in functional movement and muscle activation. This allowed the therapist to adjust the treatment plan with confidence and avoid unnecessary sessions. As a result, the provider was able to bring the patient to a safe and effective discharge at just 56 days of care—significantly lower than the ODG average duration of 85 days. For the clinician, FIGUR8 streamlined decision-making, offering an evidence-based approach that removed much of the guesswork from traditional MSK assessments.

Improved Patient Experience: Motivation Through Measurable Progress

One unique aspect of this patient’s case was her high psychological influence on her perception of disability. In such cases, having a visual, objective demonstration of progress is critical for motivation and reassurance. FIGUR8 provided exactly that—a clear, tangible record of her progress over three assessment sessions.

By the time of her final assessment, FIGUR8’s data showed the patient’s marked improvement. For her, seeing this progress in quantifiable terms was not only encouraging but also empowering. Knowing that she was nearing discharge and had successfully improved from her initial injury gave her confidence in her recovery journey. At her last FIGUR8 assessment, the patient expressed excitement at seeing her functional scores, which motivated her to stay engaged in her rehabilitation. This kind of positive patient experience is key to improving adherence and achieving successful outcomes.

Better Insights for Payers and State Funds: Cost Savings and Accelerated Recovery

For payers and state funds, FIGUR8’s impact on cost and efficiency is undeniable. This case demonstrated a significant reduction in both care duration and cost. With FIGUR8-enabled care, the total cost came to $20,496.72—a 32.35% savings compared to the ODG average of $30,296.00. This translated to a value of nearly $9,800 saved in the care of this one patient.

By reducing the total days under care and offering a clear path to recovery, FIGUR8 supports payers and state funds in optimizing claims costs. The objective data provided by the platform helps ensure that resources are used effectively and that patients receive the right amount of care for their specific needs. For workers' compensation programs, these outcomes represent a valuable opportunity to allocate funds more efficiently, manage claims costs, and support faster return-to-work times for injured workers.

This case study exemplifies how FIGUR8 is transforming the landscape of musculoskeletal care. By providing accurate, objective data, FIGUR8 improves the provider experience, making it easier to deliver precise, personalized care. Patients benefit from increased motivation and understanding of their recovery journey, while payers and state funds experience substantial cost savings and efficiency gains.

In this case, FIGUR8 helped reduce recovery time from 85 days to just 56 and saved almost $10,000 in care costs. Beyond the numbers, FIGUR8 fosters a collaborative, transparent environment where providers, patients, and payers can all play an active role in the recovery process. This common language of data and insights sets a new standard for musculoskeletal health, offering a path to better outcomes and more sustainable care for all involved. 

As FIGUR8 continues to empower more providers, patients, and payers, we look forward to a future where musculoskeletal care is precise, measurable, and truly patient-centered.

Interested in figuring out how to enable FIGUR8? Connect with the team by clicking here, or email us at info@figur8tech.com.

Case Study: Injured Kennel Worker in Maine Recovers from Back Injury 35% Faster With FIGUR8

In the complex world of musculoskeletal (MSK) care, clear communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals can be challenging, particularly within the realm of complex cases in workers' compensation. Fragmented care and varied approaches across the care continuum often result in prolonged recovery times and increased costs. However, advancements in technology are enabling a transformative shift in MSK care, paving the way for a common language that fosters shared decision-making, improved patient outcomes, and a streamlined return-to-work process.

At the recent NWCD conference in Las Vegas, a panel on "Creating a Common Language in Musculoskeletal Care" was shared where leaders in physical therapy, orthopedic surgery, and workers' compensation came together to discuss this shift. 

The panel included Rob Pace, COO of the Physical Rehabilitation Network, Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu, orthopedic surgeon and CEO of Best in Class MD, and Lisa Fitzpatrick, CEO of XcelABLE and an occupational therapist. This group of experts explored how integrating digital tools and data-driven approaches can create a unified approach in MSK care that benefits patients, healthcare providers, and payers alike.

Panelists discuss using technology to improve communication and patient care at the National Workers' Compensation and Disability Conference (from left to right Josh Williams with FIGUR8, Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu with Best In Class MD, Dr. Lisa Fitzpatrick with XcelABLE and Rob Pace with PRN.

One of the key challenges in workers' compensation and MSK care is the fragmented nature of communication among care teams. Information collected from an injured individual is often subjective and relies heavily on a provider's expertise to understand. Without a shared framework or language to guide communication across care teams, patients are often faced with delays in receiving effective treatment, which can hinder recovery and further delay their return to work. 

By establishing a common language using objective data to understand and monitor physical recovery, stakeholders across the MSK care spectrum—from physical therapists to orthopedic surgeons to case managers—can make more informed and cohesive decisions.

The Role of Technology in Breaking Down Silos

Advancements in in-clinic assessment technology are proving to be invaluable in standardizing MSK care. Tools like the bioMotion Assessment Platform by FIGUR8 enable physical therapists and other care MSK care providers to perform precise physical exams at any point of care.

With FIGUR8 tools enabled, providers now have best-in-class objective, data-driven insights that reduce clinical guesswork and enhance diagnostic accuracy which in turn raises the standard of care and lowers recovery time. Injured workers have been documented to recover over 50% faster with the support of bioMotion technology, as shown in the case study linked here with FIGUR8 enabled provider Team Rehab.

The integration of such technologies into clinical practice allows for a more streamlined and effective approach to MSK care, benefiting all parties involved in the workers' compensation process.

Precision as a Financial and Clinical Necessity

In MSK care, precision is essential not only for optimal patient outcomes but also for cost management. Accurate data and standardized assessments enable healthcare providers to identify the true drivers of MSK costs, allowing for targeted interventions that reduce expenses. This approach leads to faster recovery times, fewer repeat claims, and a more efficient return-to-work process for injured workers.

Real-World Impact: Faster Recovery and Improved Outcomes

The "digitally-enabled" physical therapist is emerging as a cornerstone of this new MSK care paradigm. By leveraging digital assessment tools, these professionals can offer a more precise and objective assessment, leading to personalized treatment plans and measurable improvements in recovery times. 

The unified language across the care team ensures that everyone, from therapists to surgeons, is working towards a common goal—enhancing the patient experience and expediting recovery.

Shaping the Future of Musculoskeletal Health

The panel discussion "Creating a Common Language in Musculoskeletal Care" at the NWCD event provided a glimpse into the future of MSK care. 

By adopting technology-driven approaches and fostering collaboration across the MSK care continuum, healthcare providers can ensure that injured workers receive the most effective and efficient care possible. This approach not only benefits patients but also has a significant impact on workers' compensation stakeholders, helping to drive down claims costs and promote healthier, more resilient workforces.

As we continue to break down silos and embrace technology, the vision of a unified, collaborative approach to MSK care is closer than ever. The future of musculoskeletal health lies in creating a common language that enables shared decision-making, precision in care, and ultimately, better health outcomes for all.

Questions about FIGUR8 and the future of MSK care? Reach out to the FIGUR8 team at info@figur8tech.com

Creating a Common Language in Musculoskeletal Care

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)'s Private Practice Section (PPS) conference this past weekend in DC brought together industry leaders, practitioners, and innovators, with a focus on shaping the future of the physical therapy profession. Here are some of our takeaways from the event:

Ben Nemtin, #1 New York Times bestselling author and mental health advocate, delivered the keynote speech, which resonated deeply with attendees. He emphasized the importance of finding your purpose not just for personal fulfillment but also to create a ripple effect of positive impact. 

In a profession centered on helping others, Nemtin’s call to "pay it forward" aligns with the values of physical therapists, encouraging them to see beyond their daily routines and embrace their potential to contribute to the greater good in their communities. His message serves as a reminder that driving change in healthcare doesn’t just come solely from technological advancements or new treatments but from individuals who are committed to making a difference in the lives of others.

A recurring theme among speakers and attendees was sharing “how-to” when it comes to successfully transitioning practices into the digital age. As telehealth, digital tools, and remote therapeutic monitoring grow in importance, physical therapists are grappling with how to integrate these advancements while maintaining the high level of personal care their patients expect. The key lies in adopting digital platforms that enhance, rather than replace, the patient-provider relationship. Matt Byrne, a physical therapist and attendee of the event noted his experience with the event and up and coming technologies, “A consistent through line at the APTA PPS Conference was the importance of analysis of clinical outcomes and the willingness to change practice based on the data.  FIGUR8 is in a unique position to help lead organizations and its clinicians through a change in approach to how they treat through the objective data and reporting derived from FIGUR8's bioMiotion Assessment Platform (bMAP).  The support and growth of our existing Provider Partners, as well as the growing interest from other industry leaders continues to show the value that we can create together moving forward.”

Whether it’s using data analytics to personalize treatment plans or leveraging remote monitoring tools to track progress, the goal is to modernize without losing the human touch. The challenge is not just technical but cultural—convincing both practitioners and patients to embrace new ways of interacting and delivering care.

3. The Value Mismatch in Payment for Services

One of the biggest challenges facing the physical therapy profession is the mismatch between the payment for services and the value those services provide. As healthcare continues to shift toward value-based care, physical therapists and their professional association, the APTA, continue to advocate for payments that match the full impact of their work on patient outcomes. Speakers and attendees at the PPS conference voiced concerns that many reimbursement models, particularly those that are Fee-For-Service, often fail to account for the long-term benefits of physical therapy, such as reduced need for surgeries or medications. Bridging this gap will require a concerted effort from the entire profession, advocating for payment systems that recognize the preventative and restorative value of physical therapy, and better communicating these outcomes to payers.

Overall, the APTA PPS conference highlighted the need for purpose-driven work, digital modernization, and systemic changes to payment structures, all of which will shape the future of physical therapy.

Interested in becoming digitally enabled with best in class musculoskeletal health technology? Read up on FIGUR8 by clicking here or going to figur8tech.com and learn more.

Purpose, Planning, and Payments - Top Takeaways from the APTA PPS Conference

In the challenging aftermath of a catastrophic motor vehicle accident, Team Rehab clinician Tyler Stutz PT, DPT, CDNS out of Indiana harnessed the power of FIGUR8's innovative bioMotion Assessment Platform to guide an injured worker back to full duty.

This case study highlights how the integration of objective bioMotion data at the point of care plays a pivotal role in transforming the patient's recovery. 

Through precise measurement and detailed analysis of musculoskeletal function, a targeted, effective rehabilitation plan significantly expedited this injured worker's return to optimal performance, showcasing the profound benefits of FIGUR8 technology in clinical practice.

Data-driven evaluation lays the groundwork for faster recovery

In April 2023 Glen, a 31 year old male plumber, suffered serious injuries as the result of being involved in a motor vehicle accident while at work. He sustained multiple spinal fractures which completely removed him from his work environment. For his cervical spine, immediate care included managing the injuries conservatively with a collar. In his thoracic spine, a spinal fusion of two vertebrae (T3-4) was required. 
Four months after the initial injury, Glen arrived at Team Rehab, a FIGUR8-enabled clinic in Indianapolis, to start pro-active recovery on the path back to work, and life. As a full-time tradesman working in the plumbing industry, this injury was especially disconcerting as poor management of his injuries could not only prolong his recovery and slow return-to-work, it could end his career.

Initial bioMotion evaluation and assessment was completed swiftly and clear limitations in cervical range of motion in all directions was clearly denoted, likely as a result of prolonged use of, and weaning from, the cervical collar. 

In figure 1, below,  you can see range motion in all directions was less than 10 degrees in all directions whereas a healthy individual has more than 30 degrees on the lateral plane and 45 degrees during flexion and extension.

Figure 1. These graphics, included in FIGUR8 reporting, show a clear loss of range of motion for Glen.

The FIGUR8 evaluation also identified significant discrepancies in muscle symmetry. 
Figure 2 below, shows clear imbalance in the upper trapezius muscles, which are located in the upper back and neck. There was also limited endurance with prone neck extension as well. Both of these measures specifically (imbalance, limited endurance) have previously been identified as clear and significant indicators of a neck injury.

Figure 2. On the left, an image shows a 16% imbalance in muscle symmetry. The right image shows a significant difference in the rate of contraction between the right and left (a lower value is indicative of injury).

Tyler, the leading physical therapist managing Glen’s care, used data from the FIGUR8 evaluation to develop a recovery plan that focused on the restoration of cervical range of motion, increasing functional endurance, and work conditioning to facilitate the injured worker’s return to his day-to-day activities. 

The accuracy and consistency of the FIGUR8 bioMotion data allows managing care teams and providers to effortlessly monitor the effectiveness of the plan of care through reliable and repeatable data collection. A snapshot of longitudinal reporting on one of the many biomarkers collected by FIGUR8 in an assessment is highlighted in Figure 3 below.

Figure 3. Longitudinal FIGUR8 reporting showing improvement in range of motion on all planes.

Glen made significant gains in cervical range of motion between his assessment on September 13 and September 22, with gradual improvement continuing after the initial rapid improvement once he started physical therapy. The biomarkers collected by the FIGUR8 solution in Neck Extension, Neck Flexion and Neck Lateral Bend Left, all are clearly moving closer to or into the healthy reference range, which is the area on the graph highlighted in a blue color. With FIGUR8, providers have clinical data for their patients contextualized against a healthy reference range, bringing even more clarity to an injured worker’s recovery journey.  The data is labeled to understand whether the trend that they are seeing over the last 3 assessments is reflective of an actual change in patient recovery and performance.

For this patient, not only were the changes significant, but at the end of the episode of care, the majority of metrics were also within the healthy reference range.

Best-In-Class Technology, Best-In-Class Results

FIGUR8’s solution brings the power of a biomechanics lab directly into the clinical environment. 

With best-in-class technology to evaluate dynamic motion and muscle function, physical therapists and health professionals who manage musculoskeletal care now, for the first time, have objective data to inform their plan of care and monitor its effectiveness. 

This data is also automatically available in reports that can be shared with various stakeholders, including the referring providers, case managers, patient, and claims professionals to provide every party a clear understanding of an injured worker’s recovery and current performance. 

For Glen, this data allowed for a more efficient recovery timeline, and based off of comparative analysis against ODG, a greater than 50% reduction in duration was achieved. Specifically, the average duration from ODG guidelines suggested a timeline of 118 days with an average cost of of $44,109. With use of FIGUR8 guiding care decisions, the actual cost (including FIGUR8) came to a total of $22,396.69. This savings was achieved in only 58 days and represented an approximate 50% reduction in cost under FIGUR8 enabled care.

This case study demonstrates bioMotion data in the hands of the FIGUR8 enabled team at Team Rehab was able guide Glen to return to his job as a plumber faster and with more support after a catastrophic motor vehicle accident, which could have easily ended his career.

Objective data communicates progress and results.

Interested in figuring out how to enable FIGUR8?
Connect with the team by clicking here, or email us at info@figur8tech.com

Team Rehab and FIGUR8 Partner for Faster Injury Recovery after Work-Related Motor Vehicle Accident

Last week, industry leaders and experts, including FIGUR8 President and Chief Business Officer Scott Sexton and VP, Payer Partnerships, Craig Deneau, gathered at the AASCIF (American Association of State Compensation Insurance Funds) conference to discuss the latest trends and innovations shaping the workers' compensation landscape. The event was a treasure trove of insights, with thought-provoking keynotes, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.

Here were our top three takeaways from the conference:

Rethinking Leadership: "The UnSold Mindset" by Colin Coggins and Garrett Brown
One of the most compelling sessions at the AASCIF conference was the keynote address by Colin Coggins and Garrett Brown, renowned for their innovative approach to leadership, encapsulated in their concept of "The UnSold Mindset." Their message centered around leading with authenticity, love, and purpose, a refreshing departure from traditional leadership paradigms.

Practical Applications
Coggins and Brown provided actionable tips for implementing the UnSold Mindset in everyday leadership. These included:
{{bulleted_list_1_start}}
Practicing active listening: Show genuine interest in your team's thoughts and feelings.
Encouraging vulnerability: Create a safe space where team members can express themselves without fear of judgment.
Fostering a sense of belonging: Make every team member feel like an integral part of the organization.
Communicating purpose: Regularly remind your team of the bigger picture and how their work contributes to it.
{{bulleted_list_1_end}}
https://images.prismic.io/figur8tech/ZroAy0aF0TcGI3Hx_Frame1000001029.jpg?auto=format,compress
      

The Role of AI in Workers' Compensation: Lagging Behind Despite Its Potential
Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a hot topic at the AASCIF conference, with numerous sessions dedicated to exploring its potential applications in workers' compensation. However, a recurring theme in these discussions was the industry's slower pace of adoption of AI technologies than other industries, despite their significant potential to transform the field.

AI has the potential to revolutionize workers' compensation in several ways, including:
{{bulleted_list_1_start}}
Predictive Analytics for Injury Prevention: AI can analyze vast amounts of data to predict injury risks, identify patterns, and recommend preventative measures.
Claims Management: AI-driven systems can streamline the claims process, reducing the time and effort required to handle claims and improving accuracy, enabling overburdened claims staff to focus on cognitive work vs. administrative tasks.
Personalized Treatment Plans: AI built on data-driven solutions, like FIGUR8, can analyze injured worker data to recommend personalized treatment plans, improving recovery outcomes and reducing costs, while providing payers with higher certainty in their reserve and actuarial models.
{{bulleted_list_1_end}}
While there were a number of interesting, engaging and compelling projects underway, including those led by other industry players like Paradigm, Plethy and GradientAI, the workers’ compensation industry is risk averse by nature, and that appeared to continue to play out with the adoption of AI initiatives. The discussions at the conference highlighted the opportunities available to accelerate the adoption of AI in workers’ compensation, possibly through very clear, compelling and narrow use cases.

Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation (LWCC): A Model of User-Centric Leadership

The AASCIF conference also showcased exemplary leadership within the workers' compensation sector, with Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation (LWCC) standing out for its innovative and user-centric approach. LWCC’s leadership demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the user experience for both employers and injured workers, setting a high bar for the industry.

Focus on the User Experience and Innovations in Technology

LWCC’s leadership has prioritized enhancing the user experience, understanding that a seamless, supportive, and transparent process benefits everyone involved. This approach includes simplifying claims processes, utilizing proactive communication to ensure  stakeholders are kept informed throughout the claims process, which reduces uncertainty and stress.

In addition to process improvements, LWCC has embraced technological innovations to enhance the user experience. At the heart of LWCC’s success is its leadership's commitment to fostering a culture of empathy and innovation. 

The results of LWCC's user-centric approach are impressive. They have seen higher satisfaction rates among claimants and employers, improved recovery times for injured workers, and a reduction in overall claims costs. These outcomes not only benefit the users but also contribute to the financial health and reputation of the organization.

Leadership, Innovation, and a Relentless Focus on the User Experience

The AASCIF conference was a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the future of workers' compensation. The keynote by Colin Coggins and Garrett Brown challenged attendees to rethink leadership with a focus on authenticity, love, and purpose. The discussions on AI highlighted the industry's potential to transform, despite current adoption challenges. Lastly, LWCC’s exemplary leadership and user-centric approach provided a blueprint for how the industry can better serve its stakeholders.

As the workers' compensation industry continues to evolve, it is clear that leadership, innovation, and a relentless focus on the user experience will be critical to success. By embracing these principles, organizations can improve outcomes for injured workers, reduce costs, and build a more resilient and efficient system.

Interested in learning more about technology, workers compensation and managing claims cost? Signup for the bioMotion Bulletin by clicking here! 

Subscribers will get updates from experts sharing the latest in MSK health technology from stakeholders across the system.

Rethinking Leadership, AI in Workers' Compensation, and LWCC's User-Centric Approach

3 Top Takeaways from the AASCIF Conference

A 2023 study of 60 participants demonstrated a clear set of physiologic biomarkers to indicate whether or not an individual could be classified as suffering from low back pain. 

This study, and many like it, are the foundation of a set of reliable indicators of musculoskeletal (MSK) health based on objective measure.

30 healthy and 30 pain participants were included in the study and among the 72 biomarkers evaluated, four were identified as key due to their high reliability and validity.

Technologies that are available at any point-of-care, like the FIGUR8 solution, are now available to providers across the globe to ensure biomarker assessment is part of any physical health exam.

The Power of Movement Biomarkers in low back pain patients

Hundreds of millions of lives are affected daily by non-specific chronic low back pain, often leading to significant impairment and reduced quality of life. Receiving the right care at the right time for pain management can be complex, as the pathway to recovery often requires the support of multiple stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem.

So how do they all ensure the best possible outcome for each pain patient's recovery? By understanding the health of the individual under care.

Identifying reliable musculoskeletal (MSK) biomarkers, or more specifically objective measures of health, allows providers and case management teams to differentiate between patients with pain and those that are healthy quickly and efficiently. This ability to objectively understand MSK health based on physiologic measures can revolutionize diagnosis, treatment, and patient management. 

While it is possible to use clinical information from a visual assessment to inform you that someone suffers from chronic low back pain, as well as what their treatment should be, this type of knowledge is often subjective and not valuable as a reliable indicator of pain and function for the individual whose health is being assessed.

This overview of a 2023 study by Moissenet, Armand, and Genevay offers significant insights into this quest to understand MSK health by providing a robust evaluation of 72 movement biomarkers to determine their efficacy in distinguishing between pain and healthy populations.

Key Findings: Reliable and Valid Movement Biomarkers

After consolidating existing knowledge on movement biomarkers by assessing their reliability, validity and interpretability, the team at Geneva University Hospitals and the University of Geneva was able to identify four key biomarkers that demonstrated scientifically significant reliability and validity as clear indicators of pain versus health.

Below are details on the four biomarkers that were highly reliable and showed significant differences between the healthy and pain groups. All of these biomarkers were collected in the sagittal plane.

Maximum Lumbar Angle: This measures the maximum angle achieved highlighting the extent of lumbar flexion or extension.

Lumbar Angle Range of Motion (ROM): This captures the total movement range reflecting flexibility and mobility.

Mean Lumbar Angular Velocity: This measures the average speed of lumbar movement, providing insights into the dynamics of spinal motion.

Maximal Upper Lumbar Angle during Trunk Bending: This focuses on the upper lumbar region's movement during bending, indicating specific segmental mobility.

These four biomarkers showed higher values in healthy participants compared to pain patients in general, suggesting that decreased lumbar movement could be a characteristic of chronic low back pain.

Interestingly, these biomarkers exhibited weak correlations with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Since PROMs are currently used to assess the health and wellness of an individual, this finding emphasizes the need for access to truly objective MSK assessments to better understand an individual's health in clinical settings and where the source of pain lies.

Technological Advancements: FIGUR8's bioMotion Assessment Platform

Traditionally, capturing movement biomarkers that quantify MSK health has relied on optical motion capture systems, like VICON. Despite their accuracy and detail, these systems pose several challenges. They are often expensive, require extensive setup, and necessitate technical expertise for data analysis. These barriers limit widespread adoption in the majority of clinical practice settings even as these tools are known as the gold standard of evaluation.

As technology continuously improves across healthcare, motion capture is no exception to the rapid expansion of meaningful clinical tools that can drive access to the best possible assessment and care of an individual during recovery. The bioMotion Assessment Platform (bMAP), by FIGUR8, is a solution designed to democratize access to precise movement analysis. The groundbreaking  solution leverages advanced sensor technology and artificial intelligence to provide detailed biomechanical data at any point-of-care without the high costs and complexities associated with traditional systems.


With technology partners like FIGUR8, providers are able to benefit from:

Affordability and Accessibility: The bMAP is cost-effective and small with all the necessary pieces fitting into a box the size of a laptop. This form factor change to the traditional biomechanics lab makes biomarker data collection accessible to a broader range of healthcare providers, including physical therapists and primary care physicians.

Ease of Use: The solution is user-friendly and requires minimal setup time. Clinicians are able to integrate bMAP seamlessly into their practice and on the other side of the table, stakeholders in case management can access objective data about the MSK health of an individual via easy to understand bioMotion reporting.

Immediate Access to Advanced Data Analysis: With near real-time data processing and visualization, immediate feedback and timely decision-making for patient care is possible.

Comprehensive Assessment: The platform captures a wide array of movement biomarkers, providing a holistic view of a patient’s musculoskeletal health.

"Every single patient that walks into our clinic would benefit from using FIGUR8’s assessment and data to help drive the clinicians plan of care.” FIGUR8 Enabled Clinician

Overcoming Limitations: A Comparative Edge

While optical motion capture systems remain the gold standard in research settings due to their precision, the practical limitations cannot be overlooked. Technology-forward solutions like FIGUR8 address these issues by offering a reliable alternative that maintains high accuracy levels comparable to traditional systems. 

By removing barriers such as cost, complexity, and the need for specialized expertise, FIGUR8 empowers more healthcare providers to leverage movement biomarkers in their clinical practice which in turn creates a common language in MSK care management.

The future of healthcare, a data-driven approach

The study by Moissenet, Armand, and Genevay underscores the importance of identifying reliable movement biomarkers to differentiate unhealthy from healthy individuals. The integration of advanced technologies like FIGUR8's bioMotion Assessment Platform heralds a new era in MSK health, where precise, accessible, and user-friendly tools enhance patient care.


As the world continues to shift and embrace technologies that were once only thought up in dreams, the future of low back pain care looks promising, with the potential to significantly improve the health and wellbeing of millions of sufferers worldwide.

Interested in learning more about FIGUR8? 
Reach out to info@figur8tech.com to discover what a new standard of care looks like.

Unveiling the Future of Low Back Pain Assessment: The Power of Movement Biomarkers

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain affects a significant portion of the global population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.71 billion people worldwide are living with musculoskeletal conditions. Addressing MSK conditions effectively requires accurate assessment tools that can properly measure muscle endurance and help healthcare providers develop targeted treatment plans. 


FIGUR8’s bioMotion Assessment Platform (bMAP) has been built upon extensive existing research as the platform moves to demand a new standard of care in measuring MSK health. The article below specifically dives into the development of the neck extensor endurance and shoulder elevation endurance tests included in the FIGUR8 bioMotion Assessment based primarily on the isometric muscle endurance study by Edmondston et al. that has highlighted the reliability of three isometric muscle endurance tests—neck flexor, neck extensor, and scapular muscle endurance tests—in subjects with postural neck pain.

The Foundation of FIGUR8’s Tests: Reliable Isometric Muscle Endurance Tests

Edmondston et al.'s study focused on the reliability of three isometric muscle endurance tests in individuals with postural neck pain. The neck flexor endurance test showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.93), the neck extensor test exhibited good reliability (ICC = 0.88), and the scapular muscle endurance test demonstrated moderate reliability (ICC = 0.67). These tests, which measure the endurance of key muscle groups involved in maintaining neck and shoulder posture, provide a robust foundation for clinical assessment and intervention.

The study underscored the importance of these muscle groups—cervical flexors, extensors, and scapular stabilizers—in supporting the cervical spine during sustained postural tasks. Accurate and reliable measurements of muscle endurance can inform clinicians about the functional status of these muscles and the extent of impairment in patients with postural neck pain. This is where FIGUR8 enables providers by enhancing the application of these tests through objective data of performance and fatigue, captured using the bioMotion Assessment Platform (bMAP).

FIGUR8’s Innovation: Lab-grade biomechanical data accessible at the point of care

By bridging the gap between decades of valuable research and practical clinical application, FIGUR8 has revolutionized the accessibility of biomechanics data at the point of care. 

Historically, the use of biomechanics data has been hindered by significant costs (>$300K), the need for specialized training, and time-consuming assessments. However, through innovative technology and a new form factor, FIGUR8 has eliminated these barriers. This advancement enables clinicians to efficiently incorporate biomechanics data into their practice, enhancing patient care and outcomes without the previous logistical and financial burdens.

During these established endurance tests, FIGUR8’s solution captures precise data on muscle functional endurance and movement compensations during a dynamic activity that easily integrates within a provider’s workflow and enhances evidence-based practice. By utilizing FIGUR8’s bioMotion Assessment Platform (bMAP), provider partners can obtain objective data that is crucial for diagnosing musculoskeletal issues accurately. The platform’s ability to capture minute details of function enables a more nuanced understanding of a patient's condition, leading to more effective and personalized treatment plans.

Enhancing Clinical Outcomes with FIGUR8’s Solution

When combined with reliable muscle endurance tests, FIGUR8 provides a powerful tool for healthcare providers. Clinicians can use the detailed data collected to develop targeted intervention strategies aimed at improving endurance and overall function. This approach not only aids in pain reduction but also enhances the quality of life for patients with postural neck pain.

For example, a physical therapist can use the data to accurately identify movement compensations that may indicate weaknesses in the neck extensors or scapular stabilizers. With this information, they can tailor exercise programs that focus on strengthening these muscles, improving endurance, and promoting better posture. The ability to track progress over time with precise measurements allows for adjustments to be made to the treatment plan, ensuring optimal outcomes.

Modernizing Musculoskeletal Care in Practice

FIGUR8’s solution of technology built on the clinical and biomechanical foundation defined in published evidence with established muscle endurance tests represents a significant advancement in the management of musculoskeletal pain. 

By building on the reliability of the neck extensor and scapular muscle endurance tests validated by Edmondston et al., FIGUR8 provides healthcare providers with the tools needed for accurate assessment and effective intervention. This innovative approach not only enhances our understanding of muscle performance in individuals with musculoskeletal pain but also leads to better care plans and improved patient outcomes. 

As digital health technologies continue to evolve, FIGUR8 stands at the forefront, transforming how we assess and treat musculoskeletal health.

Interested in learning more? Connect with the FIGUR8 team at info@figur8tech.com or check out our clinical research here.

How FIGUR8 Innovates with Reliable Muscle Endurance Tests to Quantify Recovery and Pain

Biomechanics labs are critical in understanding human movement, diagnosing disorders, and developing rehabilitation strategies. These labs are equipped with advanced technology to capture and analyze the intricacies of human motion. In this blog post, we’ll explore the essential devices found in a traditional biomechanics lab and their associated costs.

Motion capture systems are used to capture and analyze the movements of the human body in three dimensions. These systems typically employ multiple high-speed cameras placed around the subject, who is fitted with reflective markers or sensor-based suits. The cameras track the positions of these markers to generate detailed, three-dimensional data on the subject’s movements. This technology is widely used in fields such as biomechanics, sports science, animation, and rehabilitation to provide precise measurements and analyses of motion.

Force plates are devices used to measure the ground reaction forces generated by a subject standing, walking, or performing other movements across them. They are essential tools in biomechanics for analyzing balance, gait, and athletic performance. By capturing data on the forces exerted by the feet on the ground, force plates help researchers and clinicians understand how forces are distributed and how the body responds to different activities.

Electromyography (EMG) systems measure the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles. This technique is used to analyze muscle function, diagnose neuromuscular disorders, and assess muscle response during rehabilitation exercises. EMG can be performed using surface electrodes placed on the skin or intramuscular electrodes inserted into the muscle tissue. The data collected provides insights into muscle activation patterns, timing, and fatigue.

3D motion analysis software processes and analyzes the data captured by motion capture systems to create detailed three-dimensional models of movement. This software is essential for visualizing, quantifying, and interpreting complex motion patterns. It allows researchers and clinicians to assess joint angles, velocities, and accelerations, providing valuable information for diagnosing movement disorders and optimizing performance.

Instrumented treadmills are treadmills equipped with integrated force plates or pressure sensors. These devices allow for the detailed analysis of gait and running mechanics in a controlled environment. By measuring forces and pressure distribution during walking or running, instrumented treadmills provide critical data for assessing and improving gait patterns, diagnosing issues, and enhancing athletic performance.

6. Wearable Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs)

Wearable Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) are portable sensors that measure acceleration, angular velocity, and magnetic field strength. These devices are worn on the body to track movements in various activities. IMUs provide detailed motion data that can be used for gait analysis, sports performance monitoring, and remote patient assessment. They offer a versatile and cost-effective alternative to traditional motion capture systems.

Pressure mapping systems use pressure-sensitive mats or insoles to measure the distribution of pressure across the feet during various activities. These systems provide high-resolution data on how forces are distributed across the feet, which is useful for analyzing gait, improving footwear design, and diagnosing foot disorders. The data can be visualized in real-time, allowing for immediate feedback and adjustments.

Summary Table: Devices and Costs in a Traditional Biomechanics Lab

A traditional biomechanics lab is equipped with a range of advanced devices designed to measure and analyze human movement with high precision. From motion capture systems to force plates, these tools provide invaluable data for research and clinical applications. The challenge has been the overwhelming costs of implementing the tools and the time is takes to collect and analyze the volume of biomechanics data that they can generate.

Advances in technology, from wearable sensors to cloud computing and artificial intelligence are making insights from biomechanics data more accessible in more places and in subsequent posts you will see how FIGUR8 is revolutionizing the field through technological innovation and seamless implementation into clinical workflows to deliver value to patients, providers, and payers.

Inside the Current Generation Biomechanics Lab: Key Devices and Their Costs

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) held in Boston last week served as a beacon of innovation and collaboration in the field of physical therapy. As the team at FIGUR8, a leader in musculoskeletal health technology, reflected on the event, three key takeaways emerged, shedding light on the future of the profession and the transformative potential of modern technology.

Economic Impact of Physical Therapy

Physical therapists provide undisputed value to individuals in their health journey and toward their quality of life, delivering cost-effective services within the U.S. healthcare system. Collectively, healthier individuals result in a healthier society, which delivers value to individuals, communities, and countries. 

This theme was evident throughout the 2024 APTA CSM conference. Whether it was the signage demonstrating the economic impact for 8 key conditions throughout the entrance to the convention center, sessions focused on the evidence and benefit of physical therapy, or a commitment for attendees to pledge the value of physical therapy demonstrated through the American Physical Therapy Association work.

According to “The Economic Value of Physical Therapy in the United States” published by the American Physical Therapy Association, Physical therapy was found to have a net economic benefit over the alternative treatment for each of the conditions ranging from surgeries, long recoveries, and the risks of overuse of prescribed opioids and other medications. The results in this report demonstrate that, where medically appropriate, more widespread use of the selected physical therapist services would deliver both 

https://images.prismic.io/figur8tech/bd231025-c1fd-4f21-b020-c1e42da9d92f_Economic+Impact+of+Physical+Therapy.png?auto=compress


Embracing Technological Advancements

Another key takeaway from 2024 APTA CSM was the growing emphasis on embracing technological advancements in physical therapy. From virtual reality therapy to wearable sensors, attendees explored a myriad of cutting-edge technologies poised to reshape the landscape of rehabilitation. 

Friday night's “Technopalooza” event was the pinnacle of innovation in physical therapy, where trailblazers in the space shared their technology and best practices in partnership. The bioMotion Assessment Platform, or bMAP, available to FIGUR8 partners stood out as a game-changer in musculoskeletal assessment. 

“We are looking for ways to capture more objective data and the way that you are going about it, removing a lot of the barriers to adoption, is really smart.” - Physical Therapist, APTA CSM Attendee 

By harnessing advanced biomechanics data and machine learning algorithms, FIGUR8 is at the forefront of leveraging technology to enhance patient care and improve outcomes.



Fostering Collaboration and Integration

APTA CSM underscored the importance of fostering collaboration and integration within the physical therapy community. 

Attendees exchanged insights, best practices, and innovative ideas, fostering a spirit of collaboration aimed at advancing the profession. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, partnerships between technology providers like FIGUR8 and physical therapy professionals will play a crucial role in improving patient care.


APTA CSM 2024 offered valuable insights and opportunities for reflection on the future of physical therapy. FIGUR8 emerged from the conference with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to advancing musculoskeletal health through data-driven precision, technological innovation, and collaborative partnerships. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to empowering clinicians with the tools and insights they need to deliver exceptional care and transform lives.

If you and your team of clinicians are interested in learning more about becoming FIGUR8 enabled reach out to info@FIGUR8tech.com or visit our website, FIGUR8tech.com 

A review of the 2024 APTA CSM event in Boston, Massachusetts by Innovator Josh Williams, MBA MScPT

Unveiling the Top 3 Insights from 2024 APTA CSM

FIGUR8’s clinical experts discuss the findings of a recent BMJ study, not the size and scope of the universe as Shapley and Curtis did in 1920.

A recent New York Times article summarized a study published in the British Medical Journal that examined the effectiveness of common orthopedic surgical procedures. Their findings outlined that for many common procedures, non-surgical options like diet, exercise and physical therapy are just as effective. The FIGUR8 communications team sat down with our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michael Oberlander who is an orthopedic surgeon, and our Business Development Manager, Josh Williams, a physical therapist himself, to discuss the implications of these findings.

FIGUR8: Thank you both for taking the time to speak with us today. Someone reading the article in the New York Times, at first glance, may think that surgery should never be an option, though this is probably not true. Dr. Oberlander, I’ll start with you, when is surgery the right choice for someone?

Dr. Oberlander: Generally speaking, surgery is indicated for MSK conditions when conservative treatment has failed and a valid procedure will result in a successful outcome in the majority of patients. In a small percentage of cases such as specific fractures, major soft tissue injuries, and certain tumors, surgery is primarily indicated. For the other 90% of cases, conservative care is the primary treatment of choice.

FIGUR8: That’s very helpful to know. So, for 90% of cases conservative treatment should be the first choice. The article mentions exercise, diet and physical therapy as effective options for many bone and joint issues. Are these the most common options? What other alternatives are available to people if surgery is not appropriate?

Josh Williams: Yes, these are very common management strategies that a primary care provider might prescribe to address a musculoskeletal (MSK) issue. I would add education as an additional tool to help people manage their concerns. Sometimes when we are in pain, it is accompanied with feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Working with a health professional to understand the underlying condition and the steps that you can take to reduce pain and improve function can be a very empowering and effective approach. There are also other non-surgical options available.

Dr. Oberlander: Yes, for many MSK conditions, both acute and chronic, physical therapy, home exercise +/- a period of relative rest are often the mainstays of conservative treatment. Additionally, anti-inflammatory medication and other over-the-counter medications like Tylenol may be helpful to control the pain. Steroid injections, hyaluronic acid or biologics such as PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) and lipogems may also be helpful.

Diet is clearly beneficial for certain conditions that involve the weight bearing joints of the lower extremity, like the hips and knees as well as the spine, and that is because these joints experience exponential stress with certain activities. Patients with a high body mass index (BMI) can experience a significant reduction in their pain levels and an improvement in function in these locations with simple weight loss. For example, the knee experiences 3-7x the weight of the body during activities like stair climbing, squatting, kneeling or even walking. That means a loss of 10 lbs is like losing 30-70 lbs. on your knees with those activities. Bracing of a joint can also be beneficial in certain situations to support the joint and allow for healing during recovery.

It’s best to speak to your medical provider about these and other options if you are experiencing pain and a loss of function related to a MSK injury or disorder.

FIGUR8: So with all of these non-surgical options available and with the evidence for surgery lacking, what are the factors that lead to the high volumes of procedures that appear to offer little value when compared to non-surgical treatment?

Dr. Oberlander: First off, there should be clear evidence that surgery is beneficial in a significant percentage of patients prior to recommending this treatment option to a patient. The main issue in my opinion is that a lot of patients, as well as some surgeons, prefer a quick fix if one is available.

This should be considered only after a detailed discussion of the risks, alternatives and possible complications of both conservative and operative treatment. Unfortunately, there is often insufficient time for this educational discussion. The end result may be that the patient is unable to fully participate in the shared decision making process.

The US health system additionally favors reimbursement for surgical procedures over medical management, which at times may also play into the decision making process.

Josh Williams: Those are both good points Dr. Oberlander, and I agree. Often, reimbursement dictates clinical care and a recent example of this was the explosion of virtual care as a result of COVID-19. For years, there was evidence of the benefits of virtual care but it wasn’t until the introduction of a billing framework by Medicare and other regulatory bodies that this became a consistent part of care delivery.

And on the topic of quick fixes, diet, exercise and physical therapy can be burdensome and the results are not always quick. Many MSK injuries take weeks or months to fully heal and require a concentrated effort on the part of the injured individual to attend their PT appointments, do their home exercises consistently and often work through pain.

FIGUR8: The BMJ study was an analysis of only randomized, controlled trials (RCT) but there are other ways to assess the effectiveness of medical treatments like case studies, observational analysis and expert opinions. Are randomized, controlled trials the only way that we should be evaluating the effectiveness of orthopedic surgical procedures?

Dr. Oberlander: Randomized controlled trials are one of the best ways to measure the value of medical and surgical treatment but by no means are they without inherent bias as well or the only means of measuring such. In many situations, a RCT with a blinded control group is unethical or impractical for humanitarian or financial reasons. They are also logistically difficult to set up and complete, requiring significant monetary support and human resources.

Josh Williams: RCTs are often held up as the gold standard in research and my training as a physical therapist happened at a time when evidence-based medicine was the predominant theoretical construct. Since then I think we have learned that there are other ways to evaluate medical interventions. Recently with COVID, we have seen real-world evidence inform policy decisions around public health measures or vaccination schedules. One of the drawbacks with RCTs is the ability to recreate the conditions in the real world. Oftentimes people don’t fit the characteristics of the sample size, or can’t fully commit to the intensity of a treatment regime because of other things going on in their lives like work or family commitments. These things are not often considered in the design of a large-scale trial.

FIGUR8: So moving forward what measurements or methodologies do you think we should be using to determine if a surgical or non-surgical treatment was beneficial?

Dr. Oberlander: Utilizing established validated peer reviewed patient reported outcome measures as well as functional outcome measures are the most effective ways to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the beneficial effects of treatment.

Josh Williams: I think that there is also tremendous value in highly accurate and reproducible data solutions like the FIGUR8 platform. This type of applied science will become the standard of care for measurement and data for musculoskeletal conditions. Because the platform is accessible at the point-of-care and deployed in a real-world environment, many of the shortcomings of RCTs are mitigated. The extremely rich data sets, when compiled at scale, will yield tremendous insights and uncover the effectiveness of various treatment approaches to inform a more precise approach to individualized patient care.

Blog

We think big and we think as a collective.