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 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, 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, 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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, 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 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 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.