O&P Research Insights with Dr. Steve Gard

Hosted by AAOP - The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Join Dr. Steve Gard, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics (JPO) as he meets one-on-one with the author of a featured article to extract the take away points of the research conducted. These 30-minute podcasts will provide O&P clinicians and rehab specialists with actionable knowledge that may be implemented in practice. This podcast is intended for any and all involved with O&P patient care.

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60 recent

October 28, 2026Episode 6126 min

Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction with 3D-printed and Traditionally Fabricated Ankle–Foot Orthoses

In this episode, Dr. Steve Gard, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics (JPO), welcomes Thomas Burton, MASc, lead engineer at Boundless Biomechanical Bracing, to discuss his research comparing patient satisfaction with 3D-printed and traditionally fabricated custom ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). Burton shares what inspired the study and why understanding the patient experience is essential when evaluating emerging fabrication technologies. He walks through the study's methodology, which allowed participants to wear both types of AFOs, provide feedback and ultimately choose their preferred device. The conversation explores key findings, including comparable overall satisfaction between the two approaches, differences in perceived weight and durability, and why a majority of participants chose to keep their 3D-printed AFOs. Burton also discusses the challenges of conducting patient-centered research, the limitations of the study and the need for additional research to better understand the long-term performance and benefits of 3D-printed orthotic devices. Show notes JPO article: Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction with 3D-printed and Traditionally Fabricated Ankle–Foot Orthoses O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings .

September 23, 2026Episode 6026 min

Evidence-Based Selection of Non-Microprocessor Knees

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 .

August 26, 2026Episode 5936 min

Closing the Gaps in AFO Intervention Research

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 .

July 22, 2026Episode 5824 min

Prosthetic Healthcare Deserts Across the United States

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 .

June 24, 2026Episode 5728 min

Rethinking Prosthetic Attention in Bone-Anchored Prosthesis Users

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 .

May 27, 2026Episode 5627 min

Examining the Impact of Microaggressions in Healthcare and the Efficacy of Microaggressions Education in Orthotics and Prosthetics

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 .

April 22, 2026Episode 5531 min

Lessons From Sustained Multidisciplinary Research Collaborations in Global Rehabilitation

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 .

March 25, 2026Episode 5417 min

Cranial Remolding Orthosis Study on the Use of a Temperature Sensor to Measure Wear Time

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 .

February 25, 2026Episode 5233 min

Why Clinically Relevant Research Matters in O&P

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 .

January 28, 2026Episode 5319 min

Effect of Orthosis Daily Wear Time on Pectus Carinatum Treatment Outcomes

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 .