Sparta Science

The world of sports and the military are infamous, albeit understandably, for their massive number of work-related injuries that professionals fall victim to. While that still holds even to this day, there are less obvious, yet equally dangerous health risks that employees, who aren’t professional athletes, face on the daily. An analysis of 13 studies, led by an independent health research clinic, found that those who sat for more than eight hours a day faced health risks similar to those of obesity and smoking. Other injuries that tend to arise in these jobs are ones caused by repetitive movements, known as overuse injuries, or if the professional has a history of pre-existing injuries that the company is unaware of. Wearable technology that keeps tabs on the employee’s movements and activities are growing in popularity as a common way to try and tackle these issues. However, without a well-implemented diagnostic system to provide actionable insights, wearable datacan be more misleading and distracting than helpful. As an answer to this dilemma, the Sparta Scan and accompanying machine learning software was developed by Sparta Science to assesses human movement holistically and find trends in the database to identify risks of injury within the employee.

The technology developed by Sparta provides the much needed diagnostic information to inform HR, Safety and Finance Professionals on Population Health. Leveraging Machine Learning to decipher patterns in employee injury data, the company has revealed that, for a sizeable chunk of cases, injuries to the back or the upper body, ironically, stem from the ground. “Our force plate helps understand body balance, which in turn sheds light on which areas of the upper body are under higher stress,” says Dr. Phil Wagner, CEO, and Founder of Sparta Science.

The hardware component, a force plate, that gathers about 3000 points of data per second, during a 20 second trial, is the first of a three-step plan that Sparta Science uses to promote employee wellbeing.

Sparta not only identifies the risk of injuries but also uses the power of machine learning not just to track health issues, but provide productive information on how to counter the issue

The next step is when the individual gets a report on how they move and balance their body, and suggests ways to reduce observed potential risks. At a higher level, the solution compares the data against peers to shed light on what activities need to be avoided, and which ones should be focused on. The last step is individualized, automatically created exercise or warm-up plans that minimize the risk of injury, or allow for rehabilitation if an injury does occur.

The software package also comprises a mobile app that encompasses video tutorials to ensure that every movement in the enlisted exercises is performed correctly. This app is run with the help of two data sources – the machine learning data picked up from the force plate, and the data obtained from individuals who log onto the platform from all over the globe to record their workouts. To increase commitment to the training regime, exercises, evolve based on research-backed data rather than on set time intervals.

With the whole diagnostic test-taking only around 60 seconds, the platform-agnostic nature of the solution fits the unique needs of a diversity of users and organizations. Case in point, Sparta Science is working with a client who, on an average, witnesses a 20 percent reduction in injuries per year, continuing each year. “This is because Sparta not only identifies the risk of injuries but also uses the power of machine learning not just to track health issues, but to provide productive information on how to counter the issue,” adds Dr. Wagner.

Staying toe-to-toe with their customer’s needs, Sparta Science bases the majority of its product and future innovations on consumer discussions. A very large customer success team allows the company to learn to drive the development of specific solutions that meet the needs of prospective customers too. The software engineers at Sparta, on the other hand, work closely with health practitioners to create a technology that flows smoothly into the worlds of technology and fitness, and stays relevant to the company’s clients in the insurance, military, sports, and manufacturing industries.