Breg Launches Sensor-Plus-App Wearable Health Solution for Improved At-Home Recovery

PR Newswire

CARLSBAD, Calif., March 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Breg, Inc., a premier provider of integrated solutions that help improve the quality and lower the cost of the orthopedic episode, today announced the launch of Breg Flex™ – a first-of-its-kind mobile health solution designed to facilitate and improve patients' at-home recovery following orthopedic surgery. Breg is exhibiting the solution during the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) 2017 Annual Meeting, Breg booth #4623. Breg Flex makes at-home physical therapy (PT) more convenient and engaging for patients which promotes protocol adherence, resulting in the potential to improve outcomes, reduce costs and provide a better patient experience.

Breg Flex Remote Physical Therapy Monitoring

"Our beta program revealed that Breg Flex has the potential to improve overall patient outcomes. It found that Breg Flex patients achieved their optimal outcome using 25 percent less visits than non-Breg Flex patients in the same diagnosis group," said Dr. Daniel Segina, orthopedic surgeon at Health First Medical Group in Rockledge, Florida. "Breg Flex patients scored 20 percent higher on their functional improvement scores than non-Breg Flex patients, on average. Additionally, Breg Flex patients were 75 percent compliant with their therapy protocols (vs. an average of 30 percent for non-Breg Flex patients), and reported a satisfaction level of 90 percent, on average."

Breg Flex uses a chargeable Bluetooth^® wireless sensor, worn by patients to track progress with prescribed PT exercises, and an easy-to-navigate mobile app, which guides patients through PT exercises with video demonstrations. The sensor and mobile app work together to capture range-of-motion tracking, vital to successful recovery outcomes, and share real-time information about patients' at-home PT progress with their healthcare providers. This allows clinicians to course correct treatment protocols as needed. Unlike at-home PT programs that are tethered to a console, Breg Flex wireless sensors and mobile apps mean patients have true mobility, and can access therapy anytime, anywhere.

Research shows that less than 35 percent of patients are adherent to their at-home PT regimen following surgery,^ⁱ though it remains a crucial element of a successful recovery. At the same time, many providers are now being held accountable for all costs related to hip and knee replacements in a value-based care plan, such as Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR), where providers are penalized if patients have complications, or require lengthy rehabilitation. This confluence of factors led to the development of Breg Flex, making the recovery process more fun and convenient for patients, while giving providers the ability to diligently oversee patients' rehabilitation progress in real time.

Key features of Breg Flex include:

Bluetooth motion sensor: accurately monitors patient range-of-motion flexion and extension, and compliance
Wireless patient connectivity: patients can take PT with them anywhere they go: they are not restricted by a tethered system
Simple patient dashboard: providers can quickly see how patients are progressing with their therapy
Gamified experience: motivational experience encourages patients to reach their goals
Mobile patient monitoring: providers have convenient access into each patients' results from a smartphone
Objective data capture: enables providers to proactively manage therapy costs and post-acute outcomes
Secure in-app messaging: patients and providers can send text messages, videos or photos; request a call and/or an appointment with a provider; and make Facetime/Skype calls (if enabled)
Custom protocols: provides standardized care for each diagnosis group, with the flexibility for providers to modify as needed
Interactive patient app: guides patients through therapy and provides a virtual therapist to mirror their movements

"From our bracing solutions, to our orthopedic practice management tools, Breg's ultimate mission has always been to lower the cost and improve care quality over the entire orthopedic episode," said Brad Lee, president and CEO of Breg, Inc. "That's why we're so pleased to introduce Breg Flex to the market. Backed by a heritage steeped in orthopedics and combined with the latest technological innovation, Breg Flex is a remarkably easy solution that brings meaning to movement."

To learn more about Breg Flex, please visit www.bregflex.com, call 1-800-897-BREG or visit Breg's booth at AAOS (#4623).

About Breg, Inc.

Breg provides remarkably easy products, services, technology and consulting to improve the quality and lower the cost of the orthopedic episode, from conservative treatment to pre- and post-surgery. The second largest U.S. provider of orthopedic bracing, Breg is a partner to 6,000 orthopedic surgeons and 90 percent of Integrated Delivery Networks who provide sports medicine and rehabilitation products to one million patients annually. Breg's interconnected programs and total solutions are designed to fit specific customer needs, giving time back to providers and patients alike to focus on what's most important. Breg is a company of Water Street Healthcare Partners, a strategic investor focused exclusively on the health care industry. Founded in 1989, Breg is based in Carlsbad, CA. Visit www.breg.com.

"Breg Flex" is a trademark of Breg, Inc.
"Bluetooth" is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

ⁱ Kirsten Jack, et al. Barriers to treatment adherence in physiotherapy outpatient clinics: A systematic review. Man Ther. 2010 Jun; 15(3-2): 220–228. McLean, SM, et al. Interventions for enhancing adherence with physiotherapy: a systematic review. Man Ther. 2010 Dec; 15(6):514-21