The Hanger Institute for Clinical Research and Education released its 2025-26 annual report documenting how its research is being translated into clinical improvements and highlighting advancements in understanding patient outcomes, optimizing clinical decision-making, and shaping the future of access in O&P.
“Behind every data point in this report is an opportunity to better understand the people we serve and the care they deserve,” said Shane Wurdeman, PhD, CP, FAAOP(D), chief clinical officer. “By aligning research, shared decision-making, and advocacy, we are helping build a future in which orthotic and prosthetic care is more accessible, more personalized, and more responsive to individual goals.”
Research across key clinical areas included:
Lower Limb Orthotic Care for a High Need Population: Conducted in partnership with the University of Washington, the research helped define the complex mobility, pain, and safety challenges experienced by lower-limb orthosis users in the United States.
Lower Limb Prosthetic Optimization: Research demonstrated that prosthetic optimization, including socket replacement, alignment refinement, and appropriate component selection, can produce meaningful improvements in mobility, satisfaction, quality of life, and participation.
Strengthening the O&P Workforce: The Institute advanced a team-based care model showing how trained clinical aides and certified assistants boost clinic efficiency, freeing clinicians for high-impact patient work. The national O&P Residency Program—which has trained over 950 residents since 1996—underwent strategic restructuring, transitioning to a centralized training model with new advisory councils and expanded board exam preparation. The program now supports 150 sites and 395 mentors.
To read the report, visit Hanger’s website.
