The British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics

BAPO Admin

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Common health conditions that can require orthotic/prosthetic intervention

Diabetes foot

Please see below some of the common health conditions that can require orthotic/prosthetic intervention

  • Diabetic foot: Diabetes can cause reduced sensation, poor circulation and slower healing in the feet. This increases the risk of pressure damage, ulcers, infection and, in severe cases, amputation.

Please see the Diabetes Foot Leaflets below:

Diabetes Foot Leaflets

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): A long-term autoimmune condition that causes inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. In the feet, it can lead to joint deformity, altered walking patterns and difficulty finding comfortable footwear.
  • Stroke: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted. It may cause muscle weakness, altered sensation, poor balance, spasticity and reduced control of the affected arm or leg.
  • Motor neurone disease (MND): A progressive neurological condition affecting the nerves that control movement. It causes increasing muscle weakness and may lead to difficulties with walking, balance, speech, swallowing and breathing.
  • Foot pain: Foot pain can arise from injury, inflammation, arthritis, nerve problems, unsuitable footwear or changes in foot structure and movement. It may affect mobility, balance and participation in everyday activities.
  • “Flat feet”: This describes feet with a low or absent arch, particularly when standing. It is often painless and does not always require treatment, but some people experience discomfort, fatigue or changes in walking and may benefit from footwear advice, exercises or orthotic support.

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The P&O Research Brief Podcast

The P&O Research Brief is a podcast series from the British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics (BAPO), created to make research more accessible, relevant and easier to apply.

Developed primarily for prosthetic and orthotic students, apprentices and new graduates, each episode explores a published research paper and breaks it down into clear, practical insights.

 

Listen to The P&O Research Brief

Explore the latest episodes and discover research relevant to prosthetics, orthotics and the wider health and rehabilitation landscape.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Amazon Music

About the podcast

Understanding research is an essential part of evidence-informed practice, but academic papers can sometimes feel complex or difficult to navigate.

The P&O Research Brief helps listeners understand:

  • What the study investigated
  • How the research was conducted
  • Why the methods matter
  • What the researchers found
  • What the findings could mean for prosthetic and orthotic practice
  • The strengths, limitations and wider implications of the research

Key terminology, research methods and clinical concepts are explained in plain language, helping listeners build their confidence in reading, evaluating and applying evidence.

Connecting research with practice

The podcast focuses on research directly relevant to prosthetics and orthotics while also exploring wider topics that offer valuable lessons for the profession. These may include:

  • Rehabilitation
  • Biomechanics
  • Education and training
  • Research methodology
  • Leadership
  • Service delivery
  • Patient experience
  • Wider health and care research

By connecting published evidence with real-world clinical thinking, The P&O Research Brief aims to support the development of thoughtful, curious and evidence-informed practitioners.

Who is the podcast for?

The series has been created primarily for:

  • Prosthetic and orthotic students
  • Apprentices
  • Newly qualified prosthetists and orthotists
  • Early-career professionals

It may also be valuable for practising clinicians, educators, researchers, technicians, support workers and others across the wider prosthetic and orthotic workforce who want an accessible way to engage with research and support their continuing professional development.

What you can expect

Each episode offers a clear and focused exploration of one published paper. You do not need an advanced understanding of research to listen—just an interest in learning more about the evidence that shapes prosthetic and orthotic care.

Whether you are beginning to explore academic research or looking for a convenient way to stay connected with emerging evidence, The P&O Research Brief will help you consider not only what a study found, but why it matters.