The American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) has announced a 2016-2017 Request for Pilot Grant Proposals in O&P research. AOPA is interested in funding original pilot research that will lead to larger trials that may qualify for government or other research funding support. The proposals are for one-time grants up to $15,000; research studies must be completed within one year of the award date. The proposal submission deadline is April 30; successful applicants will be notified on or about July 1. The Request for Proposal (RFP) Bid Number is EBP-043016.
The following are potential research areas:
- Demonstration of multisite coordination of O&P clinical outcomes data collection with emphasis on data consistency and quality
- Quality of life, wellness, patient satisfaction, and/or outcomes studies of patients who have received O&P care versus those who have not
- L-0631 bracing: Performance and outcomes data that differentiate patient results from what could be achieved with an off-the-shelf (OTS) orthosis that is provided without any fitting, trimming, or clinical care
- TLSO/LSO: Utilization and comparative effectiveness of TLSO/LSO (pre- and post-operative use)
- AFO/KAFO: Utilization and comparative effectiveness of custom versus OTS AFOs and KAFOs. Investigation and analyses of patients who receive a custom orthosis subsequent to OTS AFO fitting
- Microprocessor-controlled knee and ankle joints-safety benefits for non-variable cadence (K1, K2) ambulators
- Does restricted access for K1 and K2 ambulators to hydraulic controls adversely impact patient safety?
- Efficacy of custom versus OTS relating to clinical outcome, analyses of provider’s credential
- Functional impacts of vacuum-assisted socket suspension systems
- Outcomes measures, evaluation of clinical benefit, and quality of life metrics related to orthotic management (submissions should be pathology- and/or condition-appropriate, e.g., stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, polio, osteoarthritis)
- Orthotic management of osteoarthritis
- Alignment (tuning) of AFOs in the cerebral palsy population, measured outcome
- Stance-control KAFOs: Clinical application and measured outcome
- Socket interface: Methods for measuring quality of socket fit and alignment
- Sockets: Methods for measuring proper socket fit and alignment
- Beyond the above priorities, top-quality clinical O&P research topics will be considered for the open topics
Working in conjunction with the Center for Orthotic and Prosthetic Learning and Outcomes/Evidence-Based Practice (COPL), AOPA will give preference to grants that address evidence-based clinical application in O&P.
In addition to O&P professionals, physicians in training (interns, residents, or fellows) are eligible to apply, provided that the work is conducted under the preceptorship of a more senior or experienced investigator. Successful applicants must agree to acknowledge the support from AOPA in any publications or presentations that result from the research, and to submit a final report within 12 months of the award date.
AOPA will submit applications to COPL’s board of directors, who will review the grant proposals and provide input and recommendations to AOPA’s board of directors, who will have the final decision on whether any research can be funded and in what amount. Awardees will be selected based on feasibility, scientific and clinical significance, originality, and anticipated contribution of the research to clinical practice. Applications will also be evaluated on the availability of adequate resources, including personnel and facilities.
For more information and submission details, read AOPA’s Opportunities for Clinical O&P Research Support.
Inquiries should be directed to Yelena Mazur at ymazur@aopanet.org or 571.431.0876.
