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, welcomes Andreas Kannenberg, MD, PhD, to discuss his JPO article, “Systematic Review of the Clinical and Biomechanical Evidence for Non-Microprocessor Control Knee Mechanisms and Practical Recommendations for Knee Selection.” Dr. Kannenberg explains why non-microprocessor knees remain an important part of prosthetic care, particularly when cost, insurance coverage, and access limit the use of microprocessor technology. He shares findings from a review of 28 studies involving more than 1,000 participants, examining the evidence behind different knee mechanisms and the tradeoffs between stability, function, and the strength required of the user. The conversation explores locked, friction-brake, four-bar, multi-axial, and hydraulic knee mechanisms, how their performance can vary across different terrains, and why some commonly held assumptions about polycentric knees may deserve a closer look. Dr. Kannenberg also discusses gaps in the existing research and the need for larger, higher-quality studies, particularly in countries where non-microprocessor knees remain the standard of care.   Show notes JPO article: Systematic Review of the Clinical and Biomechanical Evidence for Non-Microprocessor Control Knee Mechanisms and Practical Recommendations for Knee Selection   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, welcomes Elaine Owen, MBE, MSc, SRP, MCSP, to examine how well researchers and journals are following best-practice reporting guidelines for ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) interventions in children with cerebral palsy. Owen explains why three key parameters, AFO ankle angle, the shank-to-vertical angle (SVA) of the AFO-footwear combination, and any tuning or optimization, are essential for understanding, replicating and evaluating these interventions. A review of literature published between 2010 and July 2024 found significant gaps in reporting, with only nine of 64 articles focused on rigid AFOs documenting all three parameters. Owen discusses the confusion surrounding alignment terminology and calls for better training, adequate clinical time and resources, greater involvement of experienced orthotists in research, and stronger reporting expectations from journals and peer reviewers. Show notes JPO article: Do Authors and Editors Comply With Best Practice Reporting Guidelines for AFO Interventions in Studies Involving Children With Cerebral Palsy? A Scoping Review   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, welcomes Szu-Ping Lee, PT, PhD, to discuss his JPO article, "Prosthetic Healthcare Deserts Across the United States." Dr. Lee explores how geographic access to prosthetic care varies across the country, explains the research methods used to identify underserved regions, and highlights the relationship between provider availability, population needs, and O&P education programs. The conversation also examines the challenges faced by individuals living in prosthetic care deserts and considers strategies to improve access through better data, workforce planning, and expanded clinical and educational resources.   Show notes JPO article: Prosthetic Healthcare Deserts Across the United States 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, speaks with Cody McDonald, PhD, MPH, CPO, assistant professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington, and Benjamin Darter, PhD, PT, chair and an associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University, about their JPO article, “Bone-Anchored Prosthesis Users’ Experiences of Altered Lower Limb Prosthetic Attention: A Pilot Focus Group Study.” They explore how bone-anchored prostheses may reduce the cognitive effort required to use a prosthesis, a concept known as prosthetic attention. Drawing on a two-hour online focus group with four individuals who transitioned from socket-based systems to bone-anchored prostheses, the researchers identified themes of increased sensation and control, freedom from socket-related discomfort and stigma, greater awareness of fall risks and injury consequences, and the continued need to monitor terrain and component limitations. They discuss why prosthetic attention matters clinically, the surprisingly low concern about infection among participants, and the importance of helping patients understand both the benefits and ongoing challenges of bone-anchored prosthetic systems. Show notes JPO article: Bone-Anchored Prosthesis Users’ Experiences of Altered Lower Limb Prosthetic Attention: A Pilot Focus Group 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, speaks with Amandi Rhett, MS, CPO, LPO, FAAOP, assistant professor in the Baylor College of Medicine Orthotics and Prosthetics Program and assistant dean of community health at the college’s School of Health Professions, about the impact of microaggressions in healthcare and efforts to address them within the orthotics and prosthetics profession. Rhett explains how subtle verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights directed toward marginalized groups can affect workplace culture, clinician-patient relationships, and patient outcomes. Drawing from her own experiences and recognizing a lack of O&P-specific training in this area, she and her coauthors developed an interactive workshop using real-world scenarios to help clinicians identify and respond to microaggressions. The conversation explores examples such as mispronouncing ethnic names, assumptions about patient behavior, and misuse of pronouns, along with the workshop’s early results, which showed increased participant confidence and awareness. Rhett also discusses the study’s limitations, future plans to expand the training, and the importance of fostering more inclusive and respectful healthcare environments.   Show notes JPO article: Examining the Impact of Microaggressions in Healthcare and the Efficacy of Microaggressions Education in Orthotics and Prosthetics 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, is joined by Aarti Deshpande, MS, CPO, FAAOP, clinical manager at the University of California San Francisco Orthotic and Prosthetics Center, to discuss her 2026 Academy Annual Meeting session, “Lessons From Sustained Multidisciplinary Research Collaborations in Global Rehabilitation.” Drawing on experience across India, the UK, and the United States, Deshpande shares how different healthcare systems shaped her approach to equity and outcome-based care. She unpacks what true multidisciplinary collaboration looks like in practice—bringing together clinicians, researchers, trainees, administrators, and funders around a shared, patient-centered goal. The conversation explores how research can directly inform clinical workflows, policy, and long-term program sustainability, along with the skills that make collaboration effective, including listening, cultural humility, and intentional, two-way planning. Deshpande also addresses the real-world challenges—cultural and language differences, logistics, ethics, and infrastructure limitations—that can complicate global work. Throughout the episode, she underscores the urgency of addressing global access gaps and workforce shortages, while offering practical insight into building sustainable, locally grounded solutions and translating evidence into meaningful practice.   O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, recorded live at the 52nd Academy Annual Meeting in Nashville, Dr. Steve Gard, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, is joined by Scott Thach, MSPO, CPO, LPO, a pediatric-certified prosthetist-orthotist at Shriners Children's Hawaii, to discuss his 2025 JPO Article of the Year centered on cranial remolding orthosis (CRO) wear time for deformational plagiocephaly. While CROs are commonly prescribed for 23 hours per day, his study set out to measure actual adherence using an objective approach. By placing a temperature sensor on the helmet strap and blinding caregivers to the data collection, the research revealed a notable gap between reported wear (about 22 hours per day) and actual wear (closer to 18 hours per day). The conversation explores how increased wear time correlates with improved cranial measurements such as CVA and CVAI in plagiocephaly cases, while results were less consistent for brachycephaly. Thach also discusses the challenges of conducting the study during COVID, the importance of objective data in clinical decision-making, and future research opportunities, including differences between daytime and nighttime wear and the role of conditions like torticollis.   Show notes JPO article: Cranial Remolding Orthosis Study on the Use of a Temperature Sensor to Measure Wear Time 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, is joined by Kiley Armstrong, MPO, CPO, Research Prosthetist-Orthotist at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, and Juan Cave II, MSPO, CPO, FAAOP, Advanced Research Prosthetist-Orthotist at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, for a conversation on why clinically relevant O&P research matters. Together, they explore the critical role clinicians play in shaping meaningful research that supports evidence-based practice, improves patient outcomes, and informs policy decisions. Kiley and Juan share their professional journeys into O&P and research, discuss impactful projects they’ve been involved in, and offer practical guidance for practitioners interested in contributing to research efforts. The episode highlights the importance of collaboration, networking, and breaking down barriers to better integrate clinical practice with research initiatives.   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, 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.