Matsudo-Nishiguchi Orthopedic Clinic | Dr. Sato & Dr. Miyoshi

■ Challenges Before Implementing SPLYZA Motion

Dr. Miyoshi:
I had experience with motion capture since my graduate school days and had used other motion analysis AI applications in research. At our clinic, we had also used a different motion analysis AI application prior to adopting SPLYZA Motion. However, due to space limitations in the clinic, we found it difficult to adequately evaluate the dynamic movements specific to sports. Additionally, it was sometimes challenging to replicate and assess actual movements that caused pain, and for complex motions such as those involving the shoulder joint, we often had to rely on qualitative visual assessments.

Dr. Sato:
I also believe that my many years of clinical experience have helped me develop a good eye for movement analysis. However, my evaluations still tended to be subjective. Without objective numerical data, I sometimes felt that the feedback I gave patients lacked persuasiveness. In the past, we would record videos and review them in slow motion, but it wasn't enough for detailed analysis, and I strongly felt the need for a more precise evaluation tool.

■ Key Reasons for Implementing SPLYZA Motion

Dr. Miyoshi:
Most of the tools we had used in the past were developed overseas. As a result, their interfaces and support were often in English, which sometimes made operation and interpretation challenging. In contrast, SPLYZA Motion offers support in Japanese, which gave us confidence in adopting it. The tools we previously used also had minor issues, such as long processing times or limited functionality restricted to specific types of movement. When we trialed SPLYZA Motion, we found that everything from data capture to analysis was incredibly smooth and the results were easy to understand. What ultimately convinced us to adopt it was its intuitive Japanese-language interface and its high versatility in handling a wide range of movements.

Dr. Sato:
I had increasingly felt that objective motion analysis would be essential for the future of rehabilitation. The fact that SPLYZA Motion can be used easily with just an iPad was also very appealing. Its ability to view movements in 3D from multiple angles is extremely effective when explaining things to patients in a visually understandable way. The robust Japanese-language support system was also a major factor that gave us peace of mind in choosing to implement it.

■ Practical Use of SPLYZA Motion

For patients with sports-related conditions, we utilize SPLYZA Motion in the early stages of initial assessment by measuring their movements and using videos or stick figures to explain the issues. For example, we can clearly illustrate form-related problems in throwing motions or posture issues during squats, which helps deepen patients’ understanding of their exercise therapy and rehabilitation.

Beyond the sports field, SPLYZA Motion is also used in evaluating patients with general orthopedic conditions. In rehabilitation for knee or shoulder pain, we analyze basic movements such as squats to objectively assess joint range of motion and habitual movement patterns through numerical data. This allows us to create more personalized treatment plans. Additionally, when working with external sports teams, we use the tool to film and analyze athletes’ pitching forms and provide them with specific feedback.

■ Effects After Implementing SPLYZA Motion

One of the biggest benefits has been the ability to objectively capture movement as numerical data. This has enabled us to more accurately assess patients’ conditions and provide clear, specific explanations. The convenience of performing 3D analysis with just a single iPad is also a major advantage in our clinic, where space is limited.

Patient feedback has been extremely positive. Being able to visualize their movements through 3D imagery and numerical data makes it easier for them to understand their issues, which in turn increases their motivation for rehabilitation. Compared to before, we’ve clearly seen an improvement in patient adherence to treatment.

Among the staff, the ability to share objective data has also enhanced internal communication. Regardless of differences in experience levels, it has helped us deliver higher-quality, more consistent rehabilitation. As we consider expanding the use of SPLYZA Motion to the fitness facility attached to our clinic, we believe that sharing insights about movement and interpreting data among staff will become even more critical. In this context, SPLYZA Motion serves as a common language for sharing objective information, contributing to skill enhancement and stronger collaboration across the team.

■ Results After Implementation



Dr. Miyoshi:
Moving forward, our goal is to accumulate data from various cases and establish standard reference values for movement. If we can make return-to-activity decisions based on numerical data, communication with patients will become even smoother. Personally, I’d also like to focus more on research activities and actively present our findings at academic conferences.

Dr. Sato:
Currently, we primarily use SPLYZA Motion to address pain-related issues, but in the future, I hope to apply it toward performance enhancement as well. To do so, we need to deepen our understanding of movement benchmarks and explore new possibilities, including utilizing the system in the fitness facility attached to our clinic.