Research & Innovation
The promotion of research and evidence-based practice, and the facilitation of innovative and appropriate technology development, are part of ISPO’s mission to improve the quality of life of the persons with disabilities.
The ISPO Scientific Committee has established several projects and initiatives to promote and develop ISPO’s activities towards these objectives.
Gait Outcome Initiative
ISPO Stride Parameter Database: Unilateral Transtibial and Transfemoral Amputees
This database brings together stride parameter information from the literature for unilateral transtibial and transfemoral amputee level walking. Researchers, clinicians and students are free to use and update this Microsoft Excel format to improve the understanding of amputee gait.
The usage guidelines are:
The GO information is available for use by downloading the Excel file or viewing the summary tables. The database file can be shared with others, but please maintain the ISPO GO Initiative title and header.
If used in research or other documents, please reference this work by ‘Ed Lemaire (2014)
The prosthetic and orthotic community is invited to contribute to this database by sending updates and relevant publications to the ISPO Scientific Committee. Unpublished clinical results are also welcome. All updates will be added to the website for global access.
Contributors to the database will be recognised in GO updates.
ISPO Launches Global Research Priorities Survey
ISPO’s Scientific Committee invites all professionals in the prosthetics, orthotics, and rehabilitation fields to take part in a global survey aimed at identifying priority research areas. The goal is to gather diverse perspectives to help shape a global research agenda that supports innovation, addresses emerging needs, and strengthens the impact of prosthetic and orthotic services worldwide.
The survey takes just 10 minutes to complete and is available in eight languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. Your input is essential to ensure that future research reflects real-world challenges and advances the field meaningfully.
Research Mentorship Programme
ISPO Research Mentorship Programme: IPOS (Improving Prosthetic and Orthotic Sciences)
This mentorship programme was established by the ISPO Scientific Committee in 2013, which aims to support junior researchers in enhancing their knowledge and skills of basic research procedures and preparation for publication through individual mentoring by an experienced scientist. The IPOS Programme relies on a (signed) mentorship agreement whereby a research supervisor (Mentor) will coach a novice researcher (Mentee) on topics ranging from research proposal preparation and implementation of research project to writing manuscript for publication. Mentors may also offer insight and guidance into study opportunities, networking, and funding opportunities (including grants and studentships).
Mentorship Arrangement
The IPOS Programme is open to all members of ISPO. The expectation is that the Research Mentors’ advice and guidance will benefit Research Mentees in their studies and career developments. Research Mentees will be matched with Research Mentors based on broad research interests as shared by both parties. In this programme, the Research Mentee commits to creating a respectful and professional relationship with their assigned Research Mentor. Research Mentees are expected to take an active role in regular communication with their Research Mentors. It is expected that each Mentor and Mentee will develop a unique relationship, as the Mentor will provide advice and guidance relevant to that Mentee’s research interests and professional aspirations. The Mentor and Mentee relationship may result in professional collaboration. The time commitment of a Mentor is dependent on their relationship with the Mentee, but Mentors are encouraged to connect at least once per month. Participation of a Mentor is entirely voluntary, and you can withdraw from the programme at any time.
IPOS Mentor List
- Man Sang Wong
- Saeed Zahedi
- Helena Burger
- Arezoo Eshraghi
- Desmond Deirdre
- Nerrolyn Ramstrand
- Dick Plettenburg
- Tzaki Siev-Ner
- Matthew Major
- Jeanne Kagwiza
Application Form
Click here if you wish to apply as research mentor or mentee
