A new startup created by a former Google research and development lead and researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab and Massachusetts General Hospital’s Sports Science Lab wants to take things in a new direction.

Figur8’s sensors can track body movement with astonishing levels of accuracy

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

FIGUR8 and the Quick Coupling Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation today announced a partnership for the deployment of the MIT spin-off’s breakthrough musculoskeletal health technology system in select Parker manufacturing facilities. Parker, a Fortune 250 global leader in motion and control technologies, provides precision-engineered solutions for a wide variety of industrial and aerospace markets.

With over 54,000 team members and locations in 45 countries and over 315 manufacturing sites globally, one of Parker’s primary goals is to continuously improve safety performance and achieve zero injuries across the organization. The partnership brings the next generation of accessible, objective musculoskeletal health assessment information to the workplace.

“More than 1.7 billion people suffer from musculoskeletal conditions, and work-related musculoskeletal problems are among the most prevalent of occupational disorders worldwide,” said Nan-Wei Gong, co-founder and CEO of FIGUR8. “Parker’s Quick Coupling Division is tackling this challenge head on by implementing solutions for the intervention and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. Parker brings a proactive approach to the management of employee safety, health and risk that reflects the company’s deep commitment to responsible operations.”

The partnership builds on the two companies’ continued innovations in engineering solutions that advance musculoskeletal health. Parker’s electroactive polymer (EAP) sensors and FlexSense sensing technology are helping revolutionize the measurement of human body movement.

“Safety is our highest priority, and we are deeply engaged in the continuous identification and implementation of solutions that create a safety-first workplace for team members,” said Jason Manning, Manager of Environmental, Health & Safety, Parker Quick Coupling Division. “With FIGUR8’s breakthrough musculoskeletal technology, we recognized an opportunity to further add to our range of safety-first initiatives — from equipment safety to employee health — to provide a safe and engaging work environment.”

FIGUR8’s technology is in deployments across major health systems, employers and government organizations nationwide to help reduce and prevent the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. With the lack of codified, accurate and objective data for musculoskeletal conditions being one of the biggest industry challenges to date, FIGUR8’s ability to enable precision analytics has made its technology an indispensable tool (before MRI) to support the diagnostic and treatment decisions regarding musculoskeletal conditions.

FIGUR8’s advanced MSK assessment solution — developed over years of R&D by MIT engineers in collaboration with Mass General Brigham clinicians — enables a full musculoskeletal and orthopedic assessment to be conducted in minutes by anyone, anywhere, regardless of technical or clinical expertise. In less than 15 minutes, the FIGUR8 solution can deliver data on key musculoskeletal biomarkers — including range of motion, movement quality, strength and functional mobility — in order to create an individualized and precise plan of care.

FIGUR8 is creating the most advanced wearable musculoskeletal (MSK) technology on the market. Its powerful, lightweight system combines clinically smart biosensors, intuitive software and AI to improve musculoskeletal health at every point of care — from injury through full recovery. FIGUR8 has developed the first musculoskeletal diagnostics decision support system of its kind that can accurately pinpoint the source and severity of an injury while showing real-time recovery visibility. Powering FIGUR8’s solution is breakthrough technology developed over years by MIT engineers in collaboration with Mass General Brigham clinicians. For more info, visit www.figur8tech.com.

Fostering Ergonomic Excellence: FIGUR8 and Parker Hannifin Quick Coupling Division Collaborate to Enhance Workplace Musculoskeletal Wellness

FIGUR8 and Parker Hannifin Quick Coupling Division Partner to Improve Musculoskeletal Health in the Workplace

Figur8 has developed a range of sensors sensors to provide an easy way to capture body movement for athletes, dancers or any application that would like to track body movements.

FIGUR8 offers affordable motion capture without the need for cameras

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

FIGUR8 Joins a Nationwide Network Working to Accelerate Transformative Health Solutions

“The opportunity to become a spoke member of ARPA-H is extraordinary and we welcome collaborators and innovators alike to join our mission to disrupt healthcare.”— Nan-Wei Gong

FIGUR8 Selected as Member of ARPA-H Investor Catalyst Hub Spoke Network

The partnership builds on the two companies’ continued innovations in engineering solutions that advance musculoskeletal health.

FIGUR8, Parker Hannifin partner to improve musculoskeletal health

FIGUR8, the digital health company that’s developed the most advanced musculoskeletal (MSK) health evaluation solution on the market, announced today that the American Medical Association (AMA) has issued a new technology-specific Category III Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code for FIGUR8’s musculoskeletal assessment technology. The AMA CPT Editorial Panel accepted FIGUR8’s request to add a Category III code for use of FIGUR8’s sensor fusion system combining inertial measurement system (IMU) and Surface Mechanomyography (sMMG), a proprietary technology developed by FIGUR8 to accurately assess muscle function and health.

“FIGUR8’s sensor fusion system provides the best-in-class biomarkers for musculoskeletal health and we are delighted that the American Medical Association has approved FIGUR8’s application for adding a new Category III CPT Code — the AMA’s first-ever billing code issued for such a procedure,” said Nan-Wei Gong, CEO and founder of FIGUR8. “The AMA issuance provides new pathways to enable wide adoption and dramatically expand the access of FIGUR8’s technology platform among clinicians and providers. As the first time the AMA has recognized digital physical examinations as a procedure, the new CPT code is particularly a game changer in providing new reimbursement channels for physical therapy providers.”

The specific code was granted after review and validation of FIGUR8’s technology by the AMA CPT Editorial Panel. The CPT codes created and maintained by the AMA CPT Editorial Panel are the most widely accepted medical language by government payers, including Medicare and Medicaid, and commercial health plans to describe healthcare services and procedures for reimbursement. The approved Category III CPT code will be in effect for at least five years, at which time the AMA may award a Category I code. Category III CPT codes serve as an important milestone for FDA approval and payment negotiations. While the code has been already posted to the AMA website, the new CPT code goes into effect in the CPT codebook on January 1, 2023.

“This milestone further advances FIGUR8’s efforts in equipping orthopedic providers with the most accurate precision analytics for measuring musculoskeletal function and with better tools for clinical efficacy,” said Dr. Michael Oberlander, Chief Medical Officer of FIGUR8. “AMA’s new code is the first major step towards obtaining a CAT I permanent code attached to RVUs for insurance billing, and establishes the foundation for reimbursement of FIGUR8’s solution for digital clinical exams.”

FIGUR8's advanced musculoskeletal assessment solution

FIGUR8’s advanced musculoskeletal assessment solution — developed over years of R&D by MIT engineers in collaboration with Mass General Brigham clinicians — enables a full musculoskeletal and orthopedic assessment to be conducted in minutes. In less than 15 minutes, the FIGUR8 solution can deliver data on key musculoskeletal biomarkers — including dynamic range of motion, movement quality, strength and functional mobility — in order to create an individualized and precise plan of care.

“FIGUR8 is spearheading the digital transformation of physical exams. As lead scientist for the initial development research of the surface mechanomyography (sMMG) sensor, I am extremely proud of the company’s recent accomplishment,” said Dr. Donna Moxley Scarborough, PT, MS, PhD, Senior Sports Medicine Research Scientist in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. “This milestone for FIGUR8 exemplifies the power of collaborative efforts across clinicians, researchers, biomechanists, engineers and data scientists culminating to provide the healthcare community with an impactful new assessment tool for musculoskeletal health that has not been possible before. The AMA’s issuance of a new CPT code for FIGUR8’s sMMG sensor for use in the clinical setting is a crucial step for applying this technology to help clinicians better monitor muscle integrity for both musculoskeletal injury recovery and prevention.”

The clinical benefits of FIGUR8’s musculoskeletal assessment system are backed by numerous published clinical studies from Mass General Brigham and Harvard University and an ongoing clinical study with Stanford Medical School.

“As an academic orthopaedic spine surgeon, I was delighted to hear about  FIGUR8 obtaining approval for a novel AMA CPT CAT III code for their musculoskeletal measurement technology. They have additionally notified us of their recent HITRUST certification,” said Todd Alamin, MD, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division Orthopaedic Spine, Stanford University School of Medicine. “This commitment to the security of PHI is extremely important for us when engaging with industry partners. As someone who is currently implementing their technology to evaluate my patients in a RCT on Spinal Stenosis treatment, these recent milestone accomplishments by FIGUR8 provide further affirmation of their commitment to the quality, value and security of the data being produced.”

FIGUR8’s musculoskeletal assessment technology is in deployments with major health systems, insurance carriers, and government organizations. FIGUR8’s technology drives significant improvements in patient outcomes and lowers re-injury rates while generating significant cost savings for employers, healthcare systems and both commercial health and casualty insurance carriers. More than 1.7 billion people suffer from musculoskeletal conditions, according to the World Health Organization. Musculoskeletal disorders account for one of the largest categories of workplace injuries, accounting for over 50 percent of workers’ compensation costs according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

FIGUR8, a MIT spin-off company, is the innovation leader in musculoskeletal (MSK) biometrics, redefining the way MSK health is measured to deliver improved clinical and financial outcomes. Our bioMotion Assessment Platform (bMAP) is the first practical solution for measuring MSK function precisely and objectively, at any point of care. This technology enables patients, providers, and payers to have a full picture view regarding joint motion and muscle function during dynamic activities; using movement as a biomarker to improve MSK health. Our powerful, lightweight system combines clinically smart biosensors, intuitive software and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve MSK health — from injury through full recovery. figur8tech.com

Pioneering Precision: FIGUR8's Cutting-Edge Musculoskeletal Assessment System Earns Exclusive Technology-Specific CPT® Code Recognition from the American Medical Association

FIGUR8’s Advanced Musculoskeletal Assessment System receives the technology-Specific CPT® Code from the American Medical Association

Nan-Wei Gong and Anirudh Sharma delivered the 2022 C. Ashton Newhall Lecture on Nov. 15 in the LaRose Digital Theatre at the Ernest A. Koury Sr. Business Center.

MIT Media Lab graduates share their entrepreneurial journey during 2022 Newhall Lecture

FIGUR8, founded by MIT alumna Nan-Wei Gong SM ’09, PhD ’13, offers a wearable sensor system to improve the diagnosis and treatment of muscle injuries.

Empowering Wellness Through Precision: Revolutionizing Musculoskeletal Health with Advanced Technology

Bringing precision to musculoskeletal health

Managing what you can measure is just as important for an injured worker recovering from a knee or low back injury as it is for a Risk Manager managing their total cost of risk or a Vice President of Claims managing their combined loss ratio.

FIGUR8 is changing the game when it comes to analyzing and informing injured workers’ recovery from musculoskeletal injuries.

FIGUR8 announced this week that it closed a $25 million Series A-1 funding. First Spark Ventures led the round, with participation from DigiTx Partners and Phoenix Venture Partners.

Advancing Musculoskeletal Insights: FIGUR8's $25M Funding Round Fuels AI-Powered Analysis for Enhanced Health Assessment and Precision Care

MIT spinout FIGUR8 closes $25M round to analyze musculoskeletal health with AI

A body in motion stays in motion. The old adage applies not just to physics, but also to the quest to ensure that injured workers, regardless of the severity of their injury, are restored to function in body and mind. 

A mix of technology and old-school best practices is driving return-to-work results in workers’ comp.

How the Return-to-Work Revolution Balances Technology and Human Touch

Risk & Insurance editor-in-chief Dan Reynolds sat down with Nan-Wei Gong and Scott Sexton of FIGUR8 to discuss how they’re working to standardize and codify data that can help care teams better gauge an injured workers’ musculoskeletal recovery process.

Gaining Insights: Delving into FIGUR8's Vision and Strategy with Nan-Wei Gong and Scott Sexton - 8 Key Questions Explored

8 Questions for Nan-Wei Gong and Scott Sexton of FIGUR8

Workers’ comp has long been an industry that heralded hands-on management and stand-alone education as key to improving workplace safety.People, it was thought, can best connect with one another and promote good working conditions.

Revolutionizing Workplace Safety: How New Tech Tools are Enhancing Injury Prevention and Recovery in Workers' Comp

Workers’ Comp Plus New Tech Tools? It Could Equal Injury Prevention and Enhanced Recovery

Workers’ compensation professionals are well aware of the detrimental effect chronic pain can have on return-to-work and patient wellbeing. Despite this, kinesiophobia — the fear of reinjury — is still said to affect the majority of workers who have experienced a workplace injury.  

How the fear of reinjury can affect workers’ comp claims.

The Silent Saboteur: How Kinesiophobia Affects Workers’ Comp Recovery

Over 90% of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries can be treated without surgery — especially now that we have sophisticated biomarker data to inform the severity and recovery of MSK injuries.

Unlocking Recovery Potential: Leveraging Digital MSK Biomarkers for Enhanced Injury Rehabilitation and Improved Outcomes

How Digital MSK Biomarkers Can Improve Injury Recovery Outcomes

The technology was co-created by researchers at MIT Media Lab and Massachusetts General Hospital Sports Science Lab.

FIGUR8 launches body movement tracking platform, announces $7.5M funding

Enabling the provision of personalized training for functional improvement based on objective quantitative data.

Revolutionizing Fitness Training: Toppan and FIGUR8 Pioneer Online Instruction with Musculoskeletal Sensors in Promising Pilot Test

Toppan, FIGUR8 Conduct Pilot Test for Online Fitness Instruction Using Musculoskeletal Sensors

The flood of data to interpret — from predictive analytics and the ongoing complexity of insurance policies — leaves adjusters with plenty of work to do. The question is how to best support them.

Transforming Claims Adjusting: AI's Role in Shaping the Future of Insurance

The Future of Claims Adjusting in the Age of AI

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.

Disclaimer: The opinions contained within this interview are that of the participants and should not be considered medical advice. If you are managing a musculoskeletal condition, please speak to your physician or primary care provider about the options available to you.

Balancing Risks and Rewards: Examining the Divide Between Surgical and Non-Surgical Interventions in Modern Healthcare

Surgical vs Non-Surgical Procedures – The “Great Debate” of 2022

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

An insightful exploration into FIGUR8's recent $12 million funding round and its ambitious endeavor to transform musculoskeletal diagnostics through cutting-edge technology.

Empowering Precision in Diagnosis: FIGUR8 Secures $12 Million Funding to Revolutionize Musculoskeletal Health Assessment

FIGUR8 Raises $12 Million To Take The Guesswork Out Of Musculoskeletal Diagnostics

BOSTON, Mass. & NEW YORK, New York — A new partnership unites Best In Class MD, the leading orthopedic telehealth platform with access to the nation’s top orthopedic physicians, and FIGUR8, the digital health company that’s developed the most advanced wearable musculoskeletal health management technology on the market. Building on the two companies’ shared mission in forging a new standard of care in advancing musculoskeletal health, the partnership creates the first offering of its kind on the market that combines precision musculoskeletal analytics with world-class orthopedic care.

To date, the lack of codified, accurate and objective data for musculoskeletal conditions has been one of the industry’s biggest challenges. FIGUR8’s breakthrough technology delivers data on key musculoskeletal biomarkers — including range of motion, movement quality, strength and functional mobility — and accurately pinpoints the source and severity of an injury while showing real-time recovery visibility.

“We’re excited to be charting a new course in the delivery of musculoskeletal health management together with Best In Class MD, which has built the deepest roster of world-class musculoskeletal clinicians,” said Nan-Wei Gong, co-founder and CEO of FIGUR8. “With this partnership, FIGUR8 and Best In Class MD are combining the best musculoskeletal data available with the best orthopedic physicians in the country to deliver best in class orthopedic care and optimal patient outcomes.”

Best In Class MD brings an unmatched network of the nation’s foremost orthopedic physicians — accepting only the top 1% of the nation’s orthopedic specialists — and a scalable, HIPAA-compliant and URAC-accredited telehealth platform, providing on-demand access to patients seeking musculoskeletal consultations with leading orthopedic physicians across the country.

“We founded Best In Class MD with the mission to enable direct access to world-class experts and personalized treatment plans,” said Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu, CEO and cofounder of Best In Class MD and an orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery. “FIGUR8 brings objective and meaningful data to the standard musculoskeletal clinical assessment in a way that’s never been done before, equipping Best In Class MD’s physicians with precision analytics to support diagnostic and treatment decisions for musculoskeletal conditions. Patients look to Best In Class MD for trusted and individualized plans of care for their musculoskeletal health, and our partnership with FIGUR8 further delivers on Best In Class MD’s mission.”

More than 1.7 billion people suffer from musculoskeletal conditions, according to the World Health Organization. Musculoskeletal disorders account for one of the largest categories of workplace injuries, accounting for over 50 percent of workers’ compensation costs according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. FIGUR8’s advanced musculoskeletal health management solution — developed over years of R&D by MIT engineers in collaboration with Mass General Brigham clinicians — enables a full musculoskeletal and orthopedic assessment to be conducted in less than 15 minutes.

About Best In Class MD (BICMD)
BICMD is an integrated telehealth platform built to provide consumers and enterprises with immediate and direct access to a national network of leading medical doctors for personalized expert medical opinions. By increasing access to the country’s top providers, BICMD is on a mission to solve the well-defined challenge of obtaining medical certainty. To learn more, visit www.bicmd.com .

About FIGUR8 FIGUR8 is creating the most advanced musculoskeletal health management technology on the market. Its powerful, lightweight system combines clinically smart biosensors, intuitive software and AI to improve musculoskeletal health at every point of care — from injury through full recovery. FIGUR8 has developed the first musculoskeletal diagnostics decision support system of its kind that can accurately pinpoint the source and severity of an injury while showing real-time recovery visibility. Powering FIGUR8’s solution is breakthrough technology developed over years by MIT engineers in collaboration with Mass General Brigham clinicians. For more info, visit figur8tech.com.

Transforming Healthcare Together: Best In Class MD and FIGUR8 Forge Alliance to Revolutionize Precision Musculoskeletal Health Management

Best In Class MD and FIGUR8 Partner to Advance Patient Access to Precision Musculoskeletal Health Management

FIGUR8, the leading innovator in the measure of musculoskeletal (MSK) health, has successfully closed a $25 million Series A-1 funding. The round was led by First Spark Ventures (FSV) with participation from DigiTx Partners and Phoenix Venture Partners.

FIGUR8 will use the proceeds to drive growth and adoption of its core bioMotion Assessment Platform (bMAP). By leveraging lab-grade biomechanics data captured in the clinic setting, valuable insights into musculoskeletal health and injury recovery can lead to more personalized and data-driven recovery pathways.

“We are thrilled to have FSV leading this important investment round,” said Nan-Wei Gong, founder and CEO of FIGUR8. “FSV’s experience in backing transformative technologies and strategic guidance will not only bolster our efforts to elevate the musculoskeletal industry, but also pave the way for significant advancements in digital MSK health, as FIGUR8 elevates the standard of care with codified, clinically-relevant data.”

FIGUR8’s bMAP produces accurate, precise and objective data for musculoskeletal care and injury recovery. FIGUR8’s advanced data empowers providers to better communicate symptoms, diagnosis and progress, while enabling payers to improve claims and underwriting processes, optimize risk management strategies, and promote faster recovery among injured workers.

“Mobility is an essential part of who we are and how we function. FIGUR8 brings a proven, deeply scientific way to guide the best pathways for restoration of mobility,” stated Manish Kothari, Founding Managing Partner of First Spark Ventures. “Objective MSK data enables a new level of personalized healthcare and risk evaluation, while simultaneously reducing cost and strongly improving satisfaction across patients, providers and payers.”

“As a physician and staunch advocate of evidence-backed solutions, I am thrilled to serve on FIGUR8’s board,” said Dr. Christina Jenkins of Phoenix Venture Partners. “FIGUR8’s unique approach to biometric sensing technology removes some of the “art” of diagnosis and assessment, transforming MSK care into a standardized and data-driven science that empowers patients and providers to improve health.

The company’s model is rare, aligning incentives across payer, provider and patient, and helping to pave the way for adoption and the evolution of the standard of care. We’re excited for FIGUR8’s opportunity to set a new industry benchmark.”

Manish Kothari, PhD and Dr. Christina Jenkins will join FIGUR8’s board of directors.

FIGUR8 is the market leader for standardizing musculoskeletal (MSK) health and injury recovery data. Through its innovative bioMotion Assessment Platform (bMAP), FIGUR8 empowers individuals to monitor and optimize their injury recovery, physical performance and overall health, while also enabling providers, patients and payers to access valuable data for advanced insights, better recovery and more personalized care.

First Spark Ventures is a Deep Tech venture capital fund investing in breakthrough technologies that make the world healthier, safer, and more productive. With a strong focus on backing companies that drive positive change and create lasting impact, First Spark Ventures plays a pivotal role in fueling the growth of visionary ventures.

Media Relations at FIGUR8
Email: media@figur8tech.com

Empowering Motion: FIGUR8's $25M Series A-1 Financing Accelerates Innovation in MSK Health

FIGUR8, the market leader for measuring musculoskeletal (MSK) health and injury recovery, secures $25M Series A-1 financing

Musculoskeletal injuries are never managed with proper information to guide the constant diagnostic journey.

The result? Delayed, under or over-treatment in most patients.

Musculoskeletal injuries are challenging to manage, mostly because clinicians are relying on human experience (subjectivity) to evaluate a multi-dimensional soft tissue injury that is changing over time. The only objective evaluations use static imagery technologies (X-Ray and MRI) which only capture a slice of time during the diagnostic journey.

Earlier this year I suffered a small tear on my bicep tendon. This is an injury that typically happens to baseball players and gymnasts. I am neither. I am a workaholic founder of a startup with bad posture, exacerbated by trying to work from home during a global pandemic.

I noticed something was very wrong with my shoulder two months into quarantine. There was no trauma or accident that led to the pain, but I would experience a very sharp pain when trying to lift my right arm.

I can repeatedly cause the pain, which as an engineer, is how I’ve been trained to start debugging my problem. Since founding FIGUR8, I’ve worked with many clinicians and learned how they approach a problem like this. They see injuries as a mystery that needs to be solved, and the good detectives know where to look to find the clues. But it wasn’t until I experienced this painful injury myself that I truly began to understand the issues with MSK injury management.

The first thing I did was call my primary care doctor, who asked me to try and move a certain way, and noted my “limited range of motion” and “acute pain”. She recommended I see a physical therapist and see if that helps. I was also referred to an orthopedic doctor, and to rule out a bone fracture, we took an X-Ray. When the X-Ray didn’t reveal any obvious cause of the pain, I was sent for an MRI.

I went home, and I waited. Everything these amazing clinicians told me made sense – my consistent pain was caused by a potential tear and that the area is swollen. However, that did little to address my frustration. I was in pain, and as the days went by, it didn’t feel as if we were making any progress toward solving the problem. While waiting for the results of the MRI, I focused on doing everything the doctors told me to do to avoid getting a “frozen shoulder.”

Finally, my MRI was analyzed and the tear was confirmed. But in the two weeks in between, my pain level and range of motion had changed so much, I expected more imaging would be needed before a potential procedure would be done.

Then, I happened to be chatting with a chiropractor I know over zoom. I explained what was wrong and she asked me to follow her instructions for 15 minutes. Miraculously, I was able to lift my arm for the first time in two weeks. I followed everything she instructed me to do, and three days later, I finally began to feel there is hope. I am getting better.

With the initial diagnostic feedback, suggesting that I am looking at a one year recovery path, I am now among the many that are constantly battling and managing my chronic pain.

Without accessible technology that can provide objective data to help clinicians and patients throughout the MSK diagnostic journey, I rely on the time-based estimation for my recovery.

As a patient, I experienced the eagerness to see improvement, and how much the data from the FIGUR8 Platform would mean to me – that there might be an end to the severe pain I was experiencing. I witnessed firsthand that our efforts for the past three years truly have the potential to change healthcare and improve the lives of so many of us that are experiencing an MSK injury.

The Need for Musculoskeletal Injuries Management Tools

I recently had the opportunity to speak with FIGUR8 investor, David Daglio. As the former Chief Investment Officer at Mellon, David helped design, launch and manage a unique equity investing approach that drove industry-leading performance and won numerous awards. My question for David was this: how can you introduce a new technology without making the people who can benefit the most from this new data feel as though they’re being replaced?

David began investing in companies 22 years ago. He was basically attempting to forecast which company would be successful, simply by reviewing their financial statements. Back then, analysts like David would receive a fax from the company and highlight what the executives had said and compare that with what they had said in previous quarters.

As data on companies became easier to collect, measure and score, David began a transition that started slowly at first, but began to gather momentum as his model was proving to be successful. He was taking a process that had traditionally been very human-driven and was trying to augment it with data. However, his biggest obstacle was not learning to use this new tool, but rather convincing the team around him to adopt this new data-driven approach.

“The battle is that, as humans, we want to believe our judgement is perfect. Whatever the field someone has chosen, they chose that because they felt they had good judgement when it came to that field. And the longer they have been doing it, the higher the value they place on their own judgement. When you introduce a new technology, whose judgement is more repeatable than yours, you’re often quick to dismiss it.”

It wasn’t until David really tried to understand the problem of “why are they fighting this?” that he realized his colleagues’ response was deeply human – it wasn’t about the computer at all, it was really more reflective about how they viewed themselves and their value. His colleagues were dismissive because they wanted to believe they were truly great at what they did. No one wants to be replaced or feel the time they’ve invested in gaining experience and judgement could quickly be replicated by a computer.

So how do you show someone that the tool they’re using is as good as they are? David found that it has to be in a non-confrontational way. “You need to work with the data and really adopt a growth mindset – you must be willing to learn something new.”