This grant supports clinically-relevant, investigator-initiated research in orthotics and prosthetics (O&P). It is a one-year award in the amount of $30,000 that is intended to help early career investigators initiate lines of research that will be competitive for larger funding opportunities through agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), or the Department of Defense (DOD).
Detecting Change in Muscle Parameters, Pain, and Function with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Treatment in Individuals Living with Trans-tibial Amputation
“As the recipient of the O&P Foundation Early Career Research Grant, I am deeply honored and excited for the opportunity this support provides to advance our research. This grant will allow us to make significant strides in quantifying muscle characteristics in individuals with trans-tibial amputations. By focusing on these critical aspects, we aim to enhance our understanding of muscle function and contribute to the development of more effective prosthetic solutions, ultimately improving mobility and quality of life for this population.”
Sara Peterson-Snyder PhD, CPO
Principal Investigator
Dr. Peterson-Snyder is a Research Prosthetist and Consultant for O&P Clinical Innovations where she devotes her time as a Researcher and Clinical Orthotist/Prosthetist. Her most recent experience is working with the Human Engineering Labs (HERL) as a Research Prosthetist and prosthetic clinician. She previously served as an Instructor and Program Director with the University of Pittsburgh Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics (MSPO) program. Prior to her faculty appointment, Dr. Peterson Snyder practiced orthotics and prosthetics for sixteen years and received her Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science at the University of Pittsburgh in 2018. Her areas of research focus on improving the quality of life for individuals who use orthotic and prosthetic devices. Specifically, in enhancing residual limb health and the overall well-being of the assistive technology user.
“It is an honor to receive the Early Career Research Grant from the O&P Foundation. This award is a significant step in my journey as a scientist, and I look forward to leveraging the support to advance our understanding of lower extremity residual limb health. I am excited to explore new rehabilitative techniques that may enhance outcomes for this population. Thank you for this tremendous opportunity!”
Kyle Leister PhD, CPO
Co-Investigator
Dr. Leister is an Assistant Professor and Program Director for the Master of Science in Orthotics/Prosthetics Program at East Tennessee State University. His research focuses on innovative interventions to enhance the quality of life for individuals with limb loss, with a particular emphasis on investigating the efficacy of transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on residual limb health in this population. With a comprehensive background including education, clinical practice, and research, Dr. Leister has cultivated expertise in diverse research methodologies, including ethnographic and survey research, secondary data analysis, and clinical trials. He has contributed in the development of effective measures to assess disability, depression, and other psychosocial factors relevant to individuals with limb loss.
