The American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) has released a request for pilot grant proposals in five potential areas of O&P research. For 2010-2011, the association is seeking proposals for one-time grants in amounts up to $7,500 for one year. The deadline for proposals is Friday, April 30, 2010.
Thomas F. Fise, AOPA executive director, stated in an open letter to the profession, “The leadership of AOPA, working in conjunction with the Center for Orthotics and Prosthetics Learning and Outcomes/Evidence-Based Practice (COPL), recognizes that there is a modest amount of original evidence-based or outcomes research in orthotics and prosthetics. Consequently, AOPA is interested in funding original pilot research that will lead to larger trials that may qualify for government or other research funding support in the following five areas:
- AFO treatment of stroke-the appropriateness of the five custom criteria for custom device use.
- Microprocessor knees and their functional value for K2 patients.
- Residual-limb and socket-interface selection criteria.
- Vacuum-assisted socket research.
- Prosthetic foot/ankle mechanisms assessment of current functional classifications.”
AOPA will give preference to grants that address evidence-based clinical application in orthotics and prosthetics.
For more information, visit www.aopanet.org/2010_RFP_Outcomes_OP_Research.pdf, or contact Thomas F. Fise at 571.431.0802; e-mail tfise@AOPAnet.org
