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.