In this episode, Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics editor-in-chief Dr. Steve Gard talks with Dr. Corey S. Gill, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Scottish Rite for Children, about his research on international patients with lower-limb deficiencies treated at a U.S. pediatric prosthesis clinic. Dr. Gill discusses the global scope of these conditions, noting the high number of children from low- and middle-income countries who seek care in the U.S. The conversation explores the challenges of providing equitable access to treatment and prosthetic care, emphasizing the need for expanded research, multidisciplinary collaboration, and stronger global support systems for pediatric patients. Show notes JPO article: Epidemiology of International Patients with Lower-Limb Deficiencies Treated at a United States–Based Pediatric Prosthesis Clinic   O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics editor-in-chief Dr. Steve Gard speaks with Dr. Alexandria Mallinos, clinical research scientist at Akron Children’s Hospital. They explore her study on custom ACL braces for adolescents, which showed significant reductions in tibial displacement and highlighted the critical role of proper orthosis fit. Dr. Mallinos also discusses how finite element modeling can advance understanding of ACL injuries and points to the need for further research comparing custom and off-the-shelf braces. Show notes JPO article: The Effectiveness of Custom ACL Bracing in Adolescent Populations   O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics editor-in-chief Dr. Steve Gard speaks with Jeremy Sherman, MS, CPO, LPO, associate program director and assistant professor in the Orthotics and Prosthetics program at Baylor College of Medicine. They discuss Sherman’s study on developing a hand skills testing methodology for O&P, highlighting the challenges and importance of objectively evaluating student proficiency. The conversation explores the creation and refinement of rubrics, the testing methods used at Baylor, and key findings that showed skill improvement through practice and repetition. Sherman also reflects on the broader implications for O&P educators and how similar methodologies could be adopted by other programs. Show notes JPO article: Development of Hand Skills Testing Methodology for O&P Curriculum   O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics editor-in-chief Dr. Steve Gard sits down with Jeremy Sherman, MS, CPO, LPO, the associate program director for the orthotics and prosthetics program, and an assistant professor in the School of Health Professions at Baylor College of Medicine. Together, they explore Sherman's research on ergonomic challenges, overuse injuries, and the widespread prevalence of pain among O&P professionals across the U.S. Drawing from his background in mechanical engineering and patient-centered care, Sherman shares what led him to investigate the physical toll of clinical work. The conversation highlights key findings, including the disproportionate impact on early-career practitioners and the critical need for more adaptable, ergonomic clinical environments to ensure career longevity and provider well-being. Show notes JPO article: Insights into Overuse: Ergonomic Trends and Pain Prevalence Among Orthotics and Prosthetics Practitioners in the United States   O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics editor-in-chief Dr. Steve Gard speaks with Megan Grunst, MPO, a prosthetic resident at the Minneapolis VA and incoming orthotic resident at Orthotic Care Services. They discuss her recent research on the psychosocial and behavioral outcomes associated with carbon fiber custom dynamic orthoses and an intensive rehabilitation program. The conversation explores how psychological resilience influences long-term device use and patient improvement. The study underscores the critical role of integrating psychological skills reinforcement into rehabilitation to enhance outcomes and patient adherence. Show notes JPO article: Psychosocial Correlates and Behavioral Response to a Carbon Fiber Orthosis and Intensive Rehabilitation Program   O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics editor-in-chief Dr. Steve Gard welcomes Brittany Pousett, CP, MSc, director of clinical research at Barber Prosthetics Clinic in Vancouver, British Columbia, for a compelling conversation about her recent study examining the relationship between prosthetic socket comfort, pain, and mobility across key treatment milestones for individuals with lower-limb loss. Together, they explore the critical role of outcome measurement in prosthetic care, the value of establishing clinically derived normative data, and how comfort and mobility intersect in meaningful ways. Brittany also shares insights into the challenges of working with retrospective data, the often-overlooked importance of psychosocial support, and promising directions for future research. Show notes JPO article: The Relationship between Socket Comfort, Pain, and Mobility Over Treatment Milestones for Individuals with Lower-Limb Loss   Additional research article referenced: Detecting Changes in Comfort, Pain, and Mobility over Clinical Milestones  for Individuals with Lower Limb-loss | Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal   O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics Editor-in-Chief Dr. Steve Gard is joined by Ashlie White, MA, Chief Strategy and Programs Officer at the Amputee Coalition, and Dr. Shane Wurdeman, CP, FAAOP(D), Chief Clinical Officer at the Hanger Institute and Hanger Clinic. Together, they explore the critical role of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Outcomes Research Program (OPORP), a federally funded initiative launched in 2014 to support evidence-based research that enhances care for service members, veterans, and individuals living with limb loss and impairments. The conversation dives into how the OPORP has shaped clinical practice, strengthened advocacy efforts, and improved patient outcomes across the O&P profession. The guests also address the program’s unexpected defunding in FY24 and the urgent push to restore its support. This episode underscores the importance of community involvement, awareness, and advocacy to preserve this essential research funding for the future of O&P care.   O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings. 

In this episode, Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics Editor-in-Chief Dr. Steve Gard speaks with Dr. Linda Resnik, recipient of the inaugural JPO Article of the Year Award. A leading physical therapist and research scientist at the Providence VA Medical Center, Dr. Resnik shares insights into her groundbreaking work on rehabilitation outcomes for limb amputations. The conversation explores her career journey, contributions to O&P research, and key projects—including advancements in the LUKE/DEKA arm. They also discuss the vital role of research in prosthetics and orthotics, the power of collaboration, and the ongoing challenges of securing funding in the field.   Show notes JPO article: Prevalence and Predictors of Unmet Need for Upper-Limb Prostheses: An Observational Cohort Study O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Dr. Steve Gard, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, as he talks with Philip Muccio, founder & CEO of AxioBionics, about his study on Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) and its impact on arm use in hemiparetic and hemiplegic patients. They explore the development of the Axiobionics Biosleeve, study findings showing increased arm movement over time, and how these results challenge traditional recovery expectations. The conversation also looks at future research and the potential of advanced technologies to improve patient outcomes.   Show notes JPO article: Longitudinal Retrospective Study of a Wearable NMES System to Determine the Effects on Arm Usage in Hemiparetic and Hemiplegic Patients   O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings.

In our season 4 premiere, Dr. Steve Gard, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics (JPO), speaks with Dr. Brian Hafner, a renowned professor and researcher at the University of Washington, about the peer review process in scientific publishing. Together, they explore the critical role of peer review in maintaining high standards in research, emphasizing the responsibilities and practicalities involved. Dr. Hafner highlights the importance of clinicians actively reading and evaluating scientific literature to ensure the publication of impactful research that benefits the O&P community. The episode delves into JPO’s peer reviewer eligibility criteria, outlines the review process, and offers strategies for providing constructive and effective feedback.   O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Dr. Steve Gard, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, as he chats with Tiffany Graham, MSPO, CPO, LPO, FAAOP(D), about her study aimed to update cephalic index (CI) norms. Current CI standards are based on outdated data from over 50 years ago, predominantly from individuals of West German heritage, highlighting the need for more inclusive and modern benchmarks. Graham shares insights from her research, which analyzed CI values in a diverse cohort of 59 typically developing children, revealing higher modern CI values and significant differences across ethnic groups. She also discusses the challenges of data collection during the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of considering genetic diversity in cranial evaluations.   Show notes JPO article: A New Normal: A Pilot Examination of the Modern Cephalic Index   O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Dr. Steve Gard, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, as he chats with Murray Maitland, PT, PhD, about his research on improving prosthetic foot design to enhance frontal plane motion. His study examined 21 individuals with unilateral below-knee amputations, comparing a new prosthetic foot design with a locked and traditional foot. Featuring an innovative sliding mechanism, the new design significantly improved frontal plane motion, particularly for activities like sideways walking and navigating uneven terrain. Beyond the study’s findings, Dr. Maitland highlights the importance of developing more diverse prosthetic designs and integrating advanced technologies to better serve the unique needs and lifestyles of people with limb loss.   Show notes JPO article: Motion Analysis of a Frontal Plane Adaptable Prosthetic Foot   O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Dr. Steve Gard, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, as he chats with Jennifer Richards, MA, CPO, about her research on cranial remolding orthosis (CRO) treatment for plagiocephaly. Affecting one in five infants, the incidence of plagiocephaly has risen significantly, with CROs being a common treatment. They dive into the success rates based on age and severity at treatment onset, noting severity as the more critical factor. The discussion also highlights data collection challenges and the need for further clinical research despite funding obstacles.   Show notes JPO article: Success Rates of Cranial Remolding Orthosis Treatment of Plagiocephaly Based on Initial Presentation   O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings.    

In this episode, Dr. Steve Gard, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, talks with Dr. Norbert Kang and Mr. Alex Woolard, both plastic surgeons at the Royal Free Hospital in London. They explore the use of targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) in upper-limb amputees, focusing on its impact on pain management and quality of life. While TMR has shown to provide lasting pain relief, they discuss its limited effect on improving functional outcomes for patients.   O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Dr. Steve Gard, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, chats with Eric Weber, LCPO, FAAOP, and Glen Thompson, MS, CPO. They delve into the essential work of the Academy's Outcomes Research Committee (ORC), discussing how the ORC helps Academy members effectively gather, use, and report outcome measures in clinical practice. They also explore the committee's role in raising awareness, promoting the application of outcome measures, facilitating data dissemination, and fostering collaboration between researchers and clinicians.   Show notes This month's episode features the Academy’s Outcomes Research Committee (ORC) and highlights the committee’s work to generate two important resources. We invite Academy members to access these valuable resources below: Outcome Measures Toolkits  How-to-Videos   O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings.  

In this episode, Dr. Steve Gard, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, sits down with Dr. Linda Resnik, a physical therapist and researcher at the Providence VA Medical Center and professor at Brown University. They delve into Dr. Resnik's recent study on the prevalence and predictors of unmet needs for upper-limb prostheses. The discussion covers the challenges faced by individuals with limb loss, the factors influencing prosthesis use, and the importance of addressing these unmet needs to improve the quality of life and functionality for those with upper limb amputations. Dr. Resnik also highlights the significance of reevaluating prosthesis options in light of technological advancements. Tune in to gain valuable insights into prosthetic rehabilitation and the ongoing efforts to enhance care for individuals with limb differences.   This episode is sponsored by Fillauer.   Show notes JPO article: Prevalence and Predictors of Unmet Need for Upper-Limb Prostheses: An Observational Cohort Study   O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Dr. Steve Gard, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, sits down with Tiffany Graham, MSPO, CPO, LPO, FAAOP(D), to explore her research on the effectiveness of cranial remolding orthoses for the treatment of deformational brachycephaly. They discuss her interest in the topic, the study's overall focus, methodology and resulting data, participants' demographics, and overall results.   Show notes Show notes JPO article: A Retrospective Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Cranial Remolding Orthoses for the Treatment of Deformational Brachycephaly   First 3 papers in the retrospective data collection series: Graham T, Gilbert N, Witthoff K, Gregory T, Walsh M. (2019). Significant FactorsInfluencing the Effectiveness of Cranial Remolding Orthoses in Infants withDeformational Plagiocephaly. J Craniofac Surg. 2019; 30(6):1710-1713. doi:10.1097/SCS.0000000000005512 Graham T, Adams-Huet B, Gilbert N, Witthoff K, Gregory T, Walsh M. Effects of InitialAge and Severity on Cranial Remolding Orthotic Treatment for Infants withDeformational Plagiocephaly. J Clin Med.. 2019; 8(8):1097. Graham T, Millay K, Wang J, Adams-Huet B, O’Briant E, Oldham M, Smith S. SignificantFactors in Cranial Remolding Orthotic Treatment of Asymmetrical Brachycephaly. JClin Med. 2020; 9(4):1027. doi: 10.3390/jcm9041027   Paper which resulted from the retrospective data collection series: Graham T, Wang J. Development and Validation of a Prediction Model for theTreatment Time of Deformational Head Shapes using a Cranial RemoldingOrthosis. Children. 2022; 9(3): 354.   This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Dr. Steve Gard, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, as he sits down with Elaine Owen, MBE, MSC, SRP, MCSP, to explore her groundbreaking research on collaborative goal-setting for children using ankle-foot orthoses. Delving into her study's focus on a table of potential goals and its pictorial representation, they discuss her efforts to establish consensus on the content validity of these innovative tools. Show notes JPO article: Content Validity of a Collaborative Goal-Setting Pictorial Tool for Children Who Wear Ankle-Foot Orthoses: A Modified Delphi Consensus Study   For more information about Owen's course "Pediatric Gait Analysis & Orthotic Management: OSKAR," mentioned in this episode, visit here. Receive $50 off the early bird rate when registering 3 or more spots using the promo code PedsGait24AC. This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Dr. Steve Gard, editor-in-chief for the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, for this episode recorded live at the 50th Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium in Chicago. He chats with Dr. Sally Kenworthy, MPO, CPO assistant professor in the orthotics and prosthetics program at Baylor College of Medicine, exploring her research on factors influencing the perceived value of orthotists among physical therapists. The two discuss the study's objectives, motivations, methodology, and clinical implications, and offer insightful perspectives on the intersection of orthotics, prosthetics, and healthcare teamwork.   This episode is sponsored by Qwadra.   Show notes JPO article: Frequency of Goal Setting Contact with Physical Therapists Is Associated with Orthotist’s Perceived Skill Level This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Dr. Steve Gard, editor-in-chief for the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, as he chats with Clayton Benson, MPO, CO, LPO. In this episode, they explore Benson's research on orthotic interventions on Charcot feet. Delving into the study's purpose, motivation, design, and methodology, they discuss investigator insights such as unanticipated surprises, notable problems, and clinical takeaways.   Show notes JPO article: A Retrospective Comparison of Orthotic Interventions on Charcot Feet This episode is produced by Association Briefings.