Former Red Sox Biomechanist and FIGUR8 Trailblazer Donna Scarborough Returns to Revolutionize Movement Science

“The speed and precision with which Nan-Wei and the team tackled product improvements were unlike anything I’ve seen.”—Donna Scarborough

Donna Scarborough Rejoins FIGUR8 as Expert Biomechanist and Innovator from Boston Red Sox, Mass General Hospital

According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study, musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders—including low back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis—are among the top causes of years lived with disability (YLDs) worldwide. Low back pain alone has consistently ranked as the leading cause of disability globally for decades.

Yet, unlike cardiology or endocrinology, MSK care has historically lacked standardized, objective biomechanical metrics (biomechanical biomarkers) to track progress, personalize treatment, and validate outcomes. 

With FIGUR8’s bioMotion Assessment Platform (bMAP), providers can now capture 71 clinically relevant MSK biomarkers across 5 targeted assessments—offering unique insight into function, recovery, and risk.

The knowledge of the FIGUR8 MSK biomarkers provide objective data that benefits patients, providers, and payers alike as part of an integrated care team.

What Are the MSK Biomarkers collected by bMAP?


MSK biomarkers are objective biomechanical measurements that assist in quantifying joint range of motion, muscle function*, movement symmetry, and neuromuscular coordination. They offer a granular, data-driven view into a patient’s movement health, enabling clinicians to detect conditions that are invisible to the naked eye or missing from subjective reports.

FIGUR8’s bMAP captures these biomarkers through a brief, non-invasive assessment of the neck, low back and knee as well as a lower body screen and upper extremity endurance screen.  These offerings provide clinicians  details of how different joints, muscles and body segments are performing during dynamic functional movements. In other words, a snapshot of the entire kinematic chain, not just isolated body segment’s pain points.

As shown in the visual above, FIGUR8’s bMAP spans the neck, low back, knee, and upper/lower extremities—delivering data-rich snapshots that help identify deficits** across the entire body.

Patient Perspective: Clarity, Motivation, and Faster Recovery


When you're in pain, it’s hard to tell if you’re getting better, or what “better” even looks like. Pain is subjective. Progress is hard to measure. And treatment plans often feel like a guessing game.

Accessible biomechanical data revolutionizes patient treatment by providing:

Objective feedback: Visualize clear data on what’s improving and what still needs work.

Motivational tracking: Progress is visualized across time, reinforcing adherence to care plans.
Personalized interventions: Data pinpoints deficits that are easy to miss—leading to smarter, faster recoveries.

Provider View: Better Decisions, Less Guesswork


Clinicians often rely on observation and patient-reported symptoms. FIGUR8 adds a layer of measurable insight that can guide and optimize treatment decisions, helping transform subjective complaints into objective biomechanical profiles.

Early risk detection: Subtle asymmetries or deficits are flagged before they become injuries.

Tailored care plans: Providers can match therapy to specific biomarker findings, eliminating questionable one-size-fits-all treatment plans.—no more one-size-fits-all.

Communication made easy: Visual reports help providers engage patients and align with referring physicians.

By capturing over 70 biomarkers in just minutes, FIGUR8 gives providers a more complete MSK profile, empowering smarter clinical decision-making across every visit.

Payer Value: Measurable Outcomes and Lower Costs


For health plans and employers, the stakes are high. MSK care is one of the top drivers of healthcare spending and too often, it's delivered without a clear sense of efficacy.

With biomechanical data, healthcare plans finally have a metric to anchor MSK outcomes, providing better patient and provider resources.

Objective outcome validation: Know if a treatment worked—not just if it happened.

Data for ROI modeling: Track recovery speed, functional gains, and return-to-work rates with real numbers.

Network optimization: Identify high-performing providers based on functional outcomes, not just volume.

The result? Better care, lower waste, and a system where value—not just visits—is rewarded.

The Future is Grounded in Clinically Integrated Biomechanics 


FIGUR8 bMAP is more than a biomechanics tool; it’s building a new standard for MSK care. By unlocking the power of biomarkers, we’re transforming how patients recover, how providers deliver care, and how payers invest in outcomes.

The MSK system of the future is objective, connected, and accountable, enabling smarter therapy grounded in biomechanical data that helps everyone involved do better: the patient, the provider, and the payer.

Learn more about how FIGUR8 helps your care team move from observation to optimization. Contact us HERE or via email via info@FIGUR8tech.com

*Surface Mechanomyography sensors in the bioMotion Assessment Platform measure the muscle’s volumetric change during contraction.
**Deficits are compared against average data collected from healthy individuals.

Reference:
Vos, T., Lim, S. S., Abbafati, C., et al. (2020). Global burden of 369 diseases and injuries in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.The Lancet, 396(10258), 1204–1222. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30925-9

Biomechanical Biomarkers: The Missing Link in Personalized MSK Care

FIGUR8, the leader in objective musculoskeletal (MSK) assessment technology, is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve DiPaola, PT, OCS, as Chief Operating Officer. A seasoned healthcare executive with over 25 years of experience scaling physical therapy platforms, Steve joins the FIGUR8 leadership team to spearhead operational excellence

Steve DiPaola Joins FIGUR8 as Chief Operating Officer to Accelerate Growth and Transform Musculoskeletal Care Delivery

Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent and often debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide. Traditional interventions for LBP frequently target 'dysfunctional' or atypical lumbo-pelvic kinematics, with the aim of correcting abnormal movement patterns. A recent exploratory study by Robert A. Laird and colleagues titled "Does movement matter in people with back pain? Investigating ‘atypical’ lumbo-pelvic kinematics in people with and without back pain using wireless movement sensors" sheds light on the relationship between these atypical kinematic parameters and LBP.

Key Findings from the Study

The study utilized wireless inertial motion units (IMU) and EMG sensors to measure various kinematic parameters during standing and sitting trunk, lumbar, and pelvic flexion in individuals with LBP and without LBP. Here are some notable findings:

1. Reduced Range of Motion (ROM): Individuals with LBP exhibited significantly reduced ROM during trunk, lumbar, and pelvic flexion compared to the non-LBP group. For instance, trunk flexion ROM was 111° in non-LBP individuals but only 93° in LBP individuals.

2. Greater Extensor Muscle Activation: The LBP group showed markedly higher extensor muscle activation during flexion, indicating a possible compensatory mechanism for instability or pain.

3. Delayed Pelvic Motion: There was a notable delay in pelvic motion at the onset of flexion in the LBP group, highlighting coordination difficulties.


4. Longer Movement Duration: Movement duration during flexion was significantly longer for those with LBP, suggesting slower and perhaps more cautious movement patterns.

These findings underscore the importance of targeting specific biomarkers, enabling providers to more effectively understand and treat LBP. The significant differences in movement patterns between those with and without LBP provide valuable insights for diagnosing and treating patients.

Advancements in Technology: FIGUR8's bioMotion Assessment Platform

In recent years, motion analysis technology has evolved tremendously, as shown by the introduction of wireless sensors. Traditional optical motion capture systems, while highly accurate, come with significant limitations:


High Costs: The setup and maintenance of optical systems are expensive, making them inaccessible for many practitioners.

Time and Expertise: Analyzing data from optical systems requires considerable time and specialized knowledge, often necessitating a dedicated team, further contributing to high costs and delays of proper treatment.


FIGUR8's bioMotion Assessment Platform addresses these challenges by offering a more accessible and user-friendly solution. Designed with the user in mind, their platform utilizes wearable sensors, such as IMUs and surface mechanomyography (sMMG), to capture detailed biomechanical data. The resulting insights provide a comprehensive analysis of movement patterns without expensive maintenance fees or specialized training.

FIGUR8’s technology is:

1. Cost-Effective: FIGUR8's platform is significantly more affordable than traditional optical systems, making advanced motion analysis accessible to a broader range of healthcare providers and settings.

2. Easily Integratable into Provider Workflows: The platform is designed for ease of use, allowing practitioners to efficiently capture and analyze movement data without extensive training. In as little as ten minutes, providers have access to a detailed report on their patients’ bioMotion data to help deliver the most effective care.


3. Portable: FIGUR8’s solution is portable, about the size of a laptop, and can be used in various settings, facilitating access to dynamic bioMotion analysis and near real-time feedback.


4. A Reliable Comparison: FIGUR8's platform reliably compares with traditional optical motion capture systems in terms of accuracy, providing trusted and high-quality data essential for effective treatment planning.

Implications for Physical Therapists and Patients

The integration of advanced motion capture technology like FIGUR8's bioMotion Assessment Platform into clinical practice has profound implications:


- Improved Diagnosis: Physical therapists now have access to tools that allow the easy collection of movement biomarkers to more accurately diagnose atypical movement patterns and tailor interventions for specific dysfunctions.

- Personalized Treatment: By understanding the precise nature of a patient's movements and compensatory patterns, providers can develop and deliver more personalized and effective treatment plans.

- Enhanced Patient Outcomes: Accurate and timely interventions based on reliable data can lead to better pain management and functional recovery for patients with LBP.

Conclusion

The study by Laird et al. emphasizes the significance of atypical lumbo-pelvic kinematics in understanding and treating low back pain. The adoption of modern technologies like FIGUR8’s bioMotion Assessment Platform can revolutionize how clinicians assess and manage LBP, making advanced motion analysis accessible and practical. By overcoming the limitations of traditional optical systems, these innovations hold the promise of delivering better patient outcomes while advancing the field of physical therapy.


To become FIGUR8-enabled connect with the team via email at info@figur8tech.com or reach out here today!


Understanding the Role of Movement in Low Back Pain

Understanding how muscles perform during movement has long posed a challenge in physical therapy and rehabilitation. Traditional tools like manual muscle testing inform about a single muscle’s force output while the person is in a static position. It does not provide information on muscle function during a dynamic task or on how it relates simultaneously to the function of other muscles for the coordination of a movement. Subtle deficits in functional strength, muscle balance or coordination can significantly influence movement, vulnerability to injury and recovery. Surface mechanomyography (sMMG) is revolutionizing understanding movement by offering a window into muscle function that’s objective, measurable, and captured in real time.

This non-invasive, sensor-based technology records how muscles behave during dynamic tasks—such as walking, squatting, or lifting—giving clinicians actionable insights into contraction magnitude, quality, and activation timing. These insights are invaluable for customizing care plans, adjusting interventions, tracking recovery, and ultimately improving outcomes. In this post, we will explore what sMMG is, how it works, and why it’s quickly becoming a powerful tool for personalized rehab, musculoskeletal health and performance screening.

Mechanomyography is a non-invasive technique that measures the mechanical components of muscles during a contraction (Scarborough et al 2024; Linderman et al 2023; Madeleine et al 2001; Ibitoye et al 2014). Mechanomyography can be used to identify and measure physical properties such as the timing of muscle activation, duration of a contraction, and the magnitude of a muscle contraction. When these metrics are captured during dynamic activities, they provide valuable information that clinicians can not see with their eyes or easily measure. Objective data that measures muscle function can better inform clinicians during a neuromuscular evaluation, when designing rehabilitations programs, and performing wellness screens.


There are numerous technologies that measure mechanical aspects of a muscle contraction, each with its own advantages and inherent limitations. Accelerometers, lasers, electrostatic microphones, retractable transducers, piezoelectric contact sensors, and electroactive polymer sensors are all examples of technology used for mechanomyography (Scarborough et al 2024, Ibitoye et al 2014).

FIGUR8, Inc invented the surface Mechanomyography (sMMG), that can be worn during a variety of dynamic activities while remaining user friendly across a variety of applications (Scarborough et al 2024, Linderman et al 2023).

The FIGUR8 bioMotion Assessment Platform (bMAP)

To gain quick, objective measurable insights on how an individual moves.sMMG data helps identify deficiencies, compensations, and asymmetries that aren't always visible, guiding the clinician to target specific areas with greater accuracy. With clearer information up front, clinicians can make faster, more informed decisions and tailor interventions that lead to better outcomes.

Common muscles evaluated by sMMG using the FIGUR8 bMAP:

To understand how sMMG works, it is best to start with understanding what the sMMG measures.

The FIGUR8 sMMG sensor captures the muscle contraction as depicted in the images above.

A message from the brain is sent to bend the elbow causing

neuronal activation of musculature (as seen with electromyography) which triggers a

muscle contraction. The muscle expands in size and movement occurs.

The sMMG sensor is placed across the belly of the muscle.

The sMMG sensor expands with the surface beneath it, as the bulk of the muscle enlarges during contraction as in the example above, the biceps as it bends the elbow.

A sMMG sensor is:
A flexible dielectric sensor that conforms to the surface beneath it and is secured either using adhesive tape or a strap. The sensor captures the mechanical properties of a muscle as the volume of the muscle mass changes during the contraction. The sMMG requires no skin prep, the sensor has very low issues with signal interference and there is no need for post signal processing.

The Magnitude of muscle output is the change in length of the sensor resulting from the expansion of the muscle belly during the contraction as it generates force needed to complete the activity (ie. bend the elbow).

The Rate of Contraction is calculated as the sensor is lengthened, telling us how quickly the contraction occurs.

Primary clinical biomechanics metrics: magnitude of sMMG signal representing muscle function and rate of contraction.

Secondary metric: timing of muscle activation and duration.

Primary biometrics provided from the sMMG sensor:

Muscle Function
      {{disc_list_start}}
Magnitude of muscle output
 Rate of Contraction{{disc_list_end}}

Muscle Function symmetry
       {{disc_list_start}}Comparison of right and left muscle function metrics{{disc_list_end}}

Muscle Balance
       {{disc_list_start}} Relationship of Magnitude of agonist and antagonist muscle function (ie. Quadriceps to Hamstrings muscle function){{disc_list_end}}

A sEMG sensor is :
An electrode that is secured with an adhesive directly to the skin above the muscle of interest to capture the electrical signal created during muscle activation (Illustration A.) (Basmajian and De Luca 1985).
The challenge of skin prep time, signal interference during data collection, post collection signal processing and relatively high cost limits application of sEMG in the majority of clinical settings.

Primary clinical biomechanics metric: timing of muscle activation and duration.

Secondary metric: magnitude of sEMG signal representing muscle function.

Clinical Synthesis of Lab-Grad Biomechanical Data

Below is an example of how data from a patient with chronic left knee pain may be synthesized and interpreted.

There is a shift from the range of expected standard Quadriceps to Hamstrings ratio to Hamstring dominance ratio on the left more than right. This finding suggests treatment focus on quad activation exercises and assessment of hip joint and hip musculature due to the compensation movement pattern. 

The illustration below represents the bilateral squat activity which was performed by the patient described above.

The Future of Personalized Care Using Biometric Motion Data
We're entering a new era of rehabilitation—one where care is tailored, responsive, and data-driven. With biomechanics platforms implementing sensors like the FIGUR8 surface mechanomyography (sMMG) for advanced motion capture, we are no longer guessing at how individuals move—we're measuring it. This objective insight empowers clinicians to make smarter decisions at every stage, from injury prevention and early intervention to progress tracking and performance optimization. It’s not just about treating symptoms anymore—it's about truly understanding how each individual moves, and using that knowledge to unlock better, faster, more personalized recovery.

By capturing objective dynamic joint motion and muscle function data, clinicians and care teams can make more informed decisions, whether enhancing injury prevention strategies, optimizing rehabilitation, or improving athletic performance.

Interested in learning more about sMMG technology and the future of musculoskeletal care? 
Connect with the team at FIGUR8, info@figur8tech.com


Scarborough DM, Linderman SE, Aspenleiter R, Berkson EM. Quantifying muscle contraction with a conductive electroactive polymer sensor: introduction to a novel surface mechanomyography device. Int Biomech. 2023 Dec;10(1):1-10. doi: 10.1080/23335432.2024.2319068.

Linderman SE, Scarborough DM, Aspenleiter R, Stein HS, Berkson EM. Assessing Quadriceps Muscle Contraction Using a Novel Surface Mechanomyography Sensor during Two Neuromuscular Control Screening Tasks. Sensors (Basel). 2023 Jun 29;23(13):6031. doi: 10.3390/s23136031.

Madeleine P, Ge HY, Jaskólska A, Farina D, Jaskólski A, Arendt-Nielsen L. Spectral moments of mechanomyographic signals recorded with accelerometer and microphone during sustained fatiguing contractions. Med Biol Eng Comput. 2006 Apr;44(4):290-7. doi: 10.1007/s11517-006-0036-2.

Ibitoye MO, Hamzaid NA, Zuniga JM, Wahab AKA. Mechanomyography and muscle function assessment: A review of current state and prospects. Clinical Biomechanics, 2014;29(6), 691 - 704. doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2014.04.003

Basmajian, J.V.; De Luca, C.J. Muscles Alive: Their Functions Revealed by Electromyography, 5th ed.; Williams & Wilkins: Baltimore, MD, USA, 1985; ISBN 068300414X.

Delsys. Technical Note 101: EMG Sensor Placement. Available online: https://www.delsys.com/downloads/TECHNICALNOTE/101-emg-sensor-placement.pdf (accessed on 30 December 2020).

Discover how surface mechanomyography (sMMG) offers real-time muscle insights to guide rehabilitation, improve musculoskeletal health and enhance performance.

Introduction to Surface Mechanomyography (sMMG)

Accommodations for workers returning to their jobs after an injury are a necessary part of the workers’ comp system. Temporary accommodations, or modified duty assignments, help workers return to their careers while providing needed support to recover from their injuries.  

Accommodations can help reduce claims costs and bring injured employees back to work. They just have to be implemented correctly.

Accommodations Don’t Just Boost Return to Work and Cut Costs — They Also Build Worker Trust and Morale

As the largest outpatient physical therapy provider, Upstream Rehabilitation is passionate about evaluating and utilizing the latest technology in this ever-evolving field of physical therapy to ensure we’re consistently striving to provide quality care to patients. One innovation that is making waves is Figur8, a cutting-edge solution designed to revolutionize how we as clinicians assess and enhance movement health.

Image: Noah Lyles claims Olympic gold in heart-stopping finish - by five thousandths of a second. https://www.nbcolympics.com/

In the world of elite sports, the difference between success and failure often lies in the smallest details. For Olympians, tiny improvements in movement can mean the difference between breaking a world record and falling just short. The impact of these small adjustments extends far beyond the competition; they play a crucial role in recovery, where every minor improvement can lead to significant gains.

Is 35 seconds a little time or a lot of time?

While 35 seconds may seem like a small gap, it’s a testament to the power of incremental progress. 

Consider the quest to break the 2-hour barrier in the marathon. Nike was determined to make waves and led the quest, documented in the documentary “Breaking2”, and the continued efforts to achieve this goal in an official marathon. Currently, the record is 2:00:35 set by Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya at the 2023 Chicago Marathon on October 8, 2023 just 35 seconds from the goal.


A marathon covers 26.2 miles, or approximately 54,608 steps for a runner with a 27-inch stride. To cut 35 seconds off that time, a runner would need to lengthen each step by just 0.052 inches—a measurement as thin as a credit card.

This small of an adjustment may seem insignificant, but it highlights a fundamental truth in sports science: small changes, when consistently applied, can lead to massive change and improvements. 

The same principle applies to recovery. Just as an Olympian makes small tweaks to enhance performance, each of us can make minor adjustments that have a profound impact on our recovery time and lasting health.

Recovery: The Key to Sustained Performance

Injury prevention and recovery are as critical to athletes as their performance on the field. The quicker an athlete can recover, the more effectively they can train, compete, and perform at their peak. 

This is where solutions like FIGUR8 come into play. By providing highly accurate data on movement, FIGUR8 helps athletes and individuals make informed decisions that lead to better outcomes.

Imagine an Olympian fine-tuning their stride to reduce strain on a specific area of the body. Over time, these tiny adjustments can prevent injuries, shorten recovery periods, and allow for more intensive training. Similarly, in everyday life, small improvements in how we move—whether it’s adjusting our posture or refining our walking technique—can have a significant impact on our overall health and recovery.

Data-Driven Decisions for Better Performance and Recovery

The real power of recovery biometric solutions like FIGUR8 lies in the ability to provide precise data that informs the user on what adjustments to make. When we have access to accurate information about our movements, we can make better decisions regarding our personal care. For example, identifying a slight imbalance in how we distribute our weight when walking could lead to a small correction that prevents long-term injury and speeds up recovery after exercise.


In this way, every small decision we make, guided by accurate data, contributes to a healthier, more resilient body. Just as an Olympian’s tiny adjustments lead to world-record performances, our small, data-driven adjustments can lead to better overall health and the ability to meet our own record-breaking goals.

Whether it’s an Olympian shaving milliseconds off their race time or someone recovering from an injury, the principle is the same: small changes lead to big results. These tiny adjustments, when made consistently and informed by accurate data, have a compounding effect. 

As we continue to push the limits of what’s possible, whether in sports or everyday life, the importance of small, data-driven decisions continues to be at the forefront for personal care.. Solutions like FIGUR8 are spearheading this movement, empowering us to make the right choices that lead to better outcomes.

How Tiny Adjustments Lead to Faster Recovery

After attending the 50th Annual APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM), one thing is clear—change is here. The conversations, the energy, and the mindset of this year’s attendees were different. There was a sense of urgency, a collective recognition that physical therapy must evolve. The status quo is no longer enough, and the industry is finally pushing itself toward meaningful innovation.

A New Era for Recruiting in Physical Therapy

It’s no secret that staffing shortages continue to be one of the biggest challenges in the physical therapy industry. CSM remains the premier event where students and current therapists explore career opportunities, but this year felt different. The days of organizations showing up with nothing more than a logoed pen and a goodie bag are over. Talent is at a premium, and recruiters know they need to bring more to the table—stronger incentives, clearer career paths, and a real commitment to clinician growth and success.


What stood out to me most was the energy of the students. There’s a buzz about them, an excitement that makes me optimistic about the future of physical therapy. They aren’t just looking for jobs; they’re looking for purpose, for the right fit. If organizations recognize and harness that energy, the industry will be better for it.

Every health system, physical therapy organization, and clinic is looking for an edge—something to help them navigate declining reimbursements, interoperability challenges, and the fight for differentiation in an increasingly saturated market. Partnerships have always been part of the equation, but this year, I saw a shift. Organizations are no longer just looking for an additional revenue stream; they are demanding real clinical value, operational efficiencies, and better experiences for both therapists and patients.

True partnerships must be a win-win. The organizations I spoke with aren’t just adopting new tools—they are holding their partners accountable for delivering measurable outcomes. The days of empty promises and unproven solutions are fading. If a partnership doesn’t drive tangible results, it won’t last.

Striving for excellence is admirable, but what the industry really needs is continuous improvement. For too long, physical therapy has been resistant to change, stuck in the mindset of “this is how we’ve always done it.” But at CSM, there was a clear acknowledgement that this approach is no longer acceptable.

From upgraded EMRs to new technologies, from improved data collection to more outcome-driven care, the industry is actively pushing itself forward. And while we still have a long way to go, this collective effort to “level up” is what will finally move physical therapy closer to true excellence.

CSM 2025 wasn’t just another conference. It was a sign that the industry is evolving. That clinicians, organizations, and innovators alike are ready to move beyond tradition and embrace what’s next. And for the first time in a long time, I left feeling like real progress is on the horizon.

Because movement is life. And physical therapy is finally moving forward.

Interested in connecting with Matt? Reach out at matt.byrne@figur8tech.com 

3 Key Takeaways from APTA CSM 2025: Mission to Excellence, Expanding Horizons in Physical Therapy

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 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

In the world of workers’ compensation, staying current on best practices is key — and that’s where Continuing Education Units (CEUs) come in. CEUs are accredited learning opportunities that help professionals maintain their licenses, deepen their expertise, and stay up to date on evolving industry standards. For workers' comp adjusters, CEU courses are a valuable way to build skills, expand knowledge, and gain insights into new tools and strategies shaping claims management — like the growing role of objective data in musculoskeletal (MSK) recovery.

FIGUR8 team member Jeff Vari, PT, DPT, MBA, has created a profound look into the evolution of biomechanical data and AI-driven insights in his CEU course “Using Objective Data to Guide MSK Recovery” that supports claims adjusters. The CEU course focuses specifically on how novel technology is transforming and simplifying MSK claims management - allowing for better outcomes for injured workers and ultimately leading to faster claims resolution. 

Below you will find a brief outline of the content that is covered in the CEU courses that take place periodically throughout the United States.

As objective data begins to pave the way in MSK treatments, it’s imperative to understand what objective data is and its application to MSK recovery, the importance of current technologies that support the use of objective data in claims management, and its benefit to adjusters.

Using Objective Data to Guide MSK Recovery

Many adjusters would agree that musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries tend to be one of the more challenging case types while handling workers’ compensation claims. MSK injuries are complex, often challenging to heal, and have diverse outcomes based on a large variety of factors. Due to this variety, recovery for one injured worker can look very different from recovery for another. Adjusters are often challenged day-in and day-out  to accurately evaluate progress and make correct verdicts on paramount decisions during recovery, including a claimant's compensability and whether or not medical necessity is evident.

As technology and healthcare continue to integrate, partners like FIGUR8 are raising the standard of care in MSK health and increasing clarity with the support of objective insights into individual recovery.

1. What is Objective Data and How does it Support Injury Recovery?

Objective data refers to measurable, quantifiable information that provides insight into a person’s physical state and functional capabilities. Subjective data, such as asking a patient to rate their pain on a scale of one to ten, can be beneficial, but is subjective and does not provide reliable information on physical health. When making important decisions in claims management, having objective data allows adjusters to utilize consistent, reliable, and reproducible data which allows for greater accuracy in claim decisions while lightening the load of sifting through case updates.

Types of Objective Data in MSK Recovery
In the context of musculoskeletal care, objective data can include:

Joint Range of Motion (ROM): How far a joint can move in different directions.

Muscle Activation: Measured through technologies like surface mechanomyography (sMMG).

Functional Performance: How well a patient performs functional movement patterns such as walking, bending, or squatting.

Positional Endurance: Measured using precise sensors that allow better understanding in tolerance related to functional and work related tasks.

Movement Quality: The ability to look at more than just quantity of motion and gain greater insight into function and sustainability of a particular movement / task.

Being able to access objective data removes guesswork and helps guide decision making. Instead of over relying on subjective patient feedback, adjusters and clinicians can now visualize recovery progress with precision.

2. Why Use Objective Data in Workers’ Compensation Claims?

For workers’ compensation claims adjusters, objective data provides several strategic advantages:

Improved Decision-Making
One of the biggest challenges in MSK claims management is determining whether a 
worker is genuinely progressing or has plateaued in their recovery. Objective data allows
adjusters to:
  a. Track functional improvements over time with consistent metrics.
  b. Compare current function against baseline data and health reference ranges.
  c. Validate whether a treatment plan is effective or if adjustments are needed.
For example, joint range of motion and muscle strength measurements can 
reveal whether an injured worker’s physical capacity aligns with their job 
requirements.


Improved Claim Communication
Subjective data often leads to misalignment between adjusters, providers, and injured 
workers. Objective data reduces disputes by providing clear, measurable evidence of 
recovery progress, whether it be positive or negative.
    a. If a worker reports ongoing pain but objective data shows improved joint function 
and muscle strength, an adjuster can objectively evaluate whether additional 
and/or alternative treatment is necessary.
    b. If the data indicates poor recovery despite consistent therapy, it may prompt a 
reassessment of the treatment plan or consideration of alternative care options.
    c. This helps prevent unnecessary treatments, overutilization of care, and 
protracted claims.


Faster Claims Resolution
Accurate data leads to more informed and timely decisions. When adjusters have clear 
evidence of functional recovery, they can:
    a. Confirm treatment is medically necessary for injured workers.
    b. Close claims more quickly when recovery is complete.
    c. Justify medical necessity with precise clinical data.
    d. Reduce time spent reviewing notes that provide subjective data and limited value.
    e. Understand an injured worker's objective status as it relates to their injury and work related recovery

Better Outcomes for Injured Workers
Objective data enhances not only claims insight but also patient outcomes. When 
treatment plans are guided by objective data on joint function and muscle performance, 
care becomes more effective through individualization.
    a. Providers can modify rehab protocols based on response to care.
    b. Workers feel more confident in their recovery when they see measurable improvements.
    c. Early identification of recovery setbacks allows for faster clinical intervention.
By using data to align clinical goals with functional recovery, adjusters and providers can ensure more successful return-to-work outcomes, leaving all involved parties happy and healthier.

The use of objective data in MSK claims management has expanded significantly with the rise 
of AI and advanced biomechanics tools. Several leading technologies are shaping the 
landscape.



How Adjusters Can Leverage Objective Data
Integrating objective data into the claims process doesn’t require a complete overhaul of 
existing systems.
Adjusters can start by:
  1. Partnering with clinics and providers who use objective tools.
  2. Requesting functional progress reports that include objective metrics.
  3. Using AI-generated data to identify intervention progress and triage appropriately.
By aligning clinical insights with claims decisions, adjusters can resolve cases faster, reduce costs, and improve worker satisfaction

Objective data is transforming MSK recovery and claims management. By replacing subjective assessments with measurable insights on joint motion, muscle strength, and functional endurance, adjusters can make better decisions, reduce disputes, and accelerate return-to-work outcomes.
AI and objective tools provide the framework for a more precise, data-driven approach to MSK care—allowing claims adjusters to work smarter, not harder. The future of workers’ compensation lies in using data to bring clarity and confidence to every claim.

{{center_align}}If you are interested in attending a CEU course and would like to find out when the next one is scheduled, please reach out to Jeff directly at jeff.vari@figur8tech.com{{center_align}}

FIGUR8 is at the forefront of this shift toward data-driven MSK care. 
The FIGUR8 bioMotion Assessment Platform (bMAP) captures high-quality biomechanics data using advanced sensors and AI. This provides clinicians and adjusters with detailed insights into joint motion, muscle function, and recovery progress. By integrating FIGUR8’s objective data into the claims process,adjusters can reduce disputes, accelerate resolution times, and improve return-to-work outcomes. FIGUR8’s technology empowers both clinicians and adjusters to make smarter, more confident decisions.

For more insights on how to integrate objective data into your claims process, reach out to the team at FIGUR8 at info@figur8tech.com

Why MSK CEU Education Is a Must-Have for Today’s Adjusters

The origin story of FIGUR8, a company focused on innovations in musculoskeletal injury treatment and recovery, is the result of decades of research collaboration between MIT, Mass General Hospital, and the Boston Red Sox.

FIGUR8’s Nan-Wei Gong Discusses Innovations in MSK Injury Treatment and Recovery

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?