Advertise on podcast: O&P Research Insights with Dr. Steve Gard

In this episode, Dr. Steve Gard, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, is joined by Jennifer Richards, MA, CPO, to discuss her research on how daily orthotic wear time affects treatment outcomes for pectus carinatum. Drawing on a review of 67 patients treated at the University of Michigan Orthotics and Prosthetics Center, Jennifer explains why consistent wear—at least 16 hours per day—is critical to achieving meaningful correction. The conversation highlights how reduced wear time resulted in minimal improvement or, in some cases, worsening outcomes, underscoring the importance of clear, evidence-based guidance for both clinicians and patients. Jennifer also shares her goals for translating research into practical clinical recommendations, explores challenges related to patient adherence, and outlines opportunities for future research to further refine treatment protocols.   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 discuss her research on the effectiveness of 3D-printed cranial remolding orthoses (CROs) for infants. Tiffany walks through the evolution of CRO design—from early fabrication techniques to today’s innovative 3D-printing approaches—and shares insights from a recent study conducted in Australia. Their conversation highlights key findings showing that 3D-printed CROs are a successful treatment option for cranial deformities, with some head shapes potentially requiring longer intervention. They also explore the practical benefits of 3D-printed devices, including improved ventilation, which may offer meaningful advantages for patients in warmer climates. Show notes JPO article: Efficacy of 3D-Printed Cranial Remolding Orthosis for Infants in Australia   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 three emerging scholars in the orthotics and prosthetics profession: Emily Dinelli, CPO; Samantha Stauffer, CPO; and Kenny Cho. Each PhD student shares their unique path into ONP, what inspired them to pursue advanced research, and how their current projects aim to improve clinical care and patient outcomes. The conversation highlights the value of strong mentorship, the importance of choosing research that aligns with personal passion, and the critical role academic inquiry plays in advancing orthotics and prosthetics. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, student, or someone considering a PhD, this episode offers relatable insights and meaningful perspectives from the next generation of O&P researchers. O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings.

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.