Critically Appraised Topics (CATs) from the Evidence Based Practice Committee (EBPC)

Friday, February 20, 2026

2:15 PM - 3:45 PM CDT

Room: Volunteer Ballroom C

Session Leader(s)

Todd Farrell, PhD

CEO
Liberating Technologies, Inc.
Holliston, Massachusetts, United States

Moderator(s)

Todd Farrell, PhD

CEO
Liberating Technologies, Inc.
Holliston, Massachusetts, United States

Speaker(s)

Nicholas Gomez, PhD, CPO, FAAOP

Biomechanics Consultant and Independent Researcher
Biomechanics Advanced
Tyler Klenow, MSPO, MBA, CPO, FAAOP(D)

Sr. Clinical Research Associate
Ottobock HealthCare LP
Cape Coral, Florida, United States
Samantha Stauffer, CPO, PhD, FAAOP

Postdoctoral Researcher / Director of Research
University of Delaware, Limb Loss Studies Lab / Independence Prosthetics-Orthotics
University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware, United States
Abigail Stepnitz, MPO, CPO/L (she/her/hers)

Certified/Licensed Prosthetist Orthotist
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

A critically appraised topic (CAT) is a standardized, brief summary of research evidence organized around a clinical question. A brief overview of the role of the Evidence-Based Practice Committee (EBPC) and its role in CAT development will be provided. Then you will hear from five CAT authors on topics related to: elevated vacuum suspension, volume-adjustable interfaces, post-amputation pain, polycentric hip joints, and pain reduction in knee osteoarthritis.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participant will be able to describe what a Critically Appraised Topic (CAT) is.
Upon completion, participant will be able to describe the role of the Evidence Based Practice Committee and its role in CAT development.
Upon completion, participant will be able to describe current published evidence related to elevated vacuum suspension, volume-adjustable interfaces, post-amputation pain, and pain reduction in knee osteoarthritis.