O&P Research Insights with Dr. Steve Gard

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.