Anren Zhang

About

Dr. Anren Zhang is a leading researcher in rehabilitation robotics and neurorecovery, with a focused expertise on lower limb exoskeleton interventions for individuals with complete spinal cord injury (SCI). Her seminal randomized controlled trial (2023, 12 citations) established that exoskeleton-assisted walking significantly improves quality of life and functional independence in motor-complete SCI patients, providing high-level evidence for clinical adoption. Earlier work (2019, 7 citations) demonstrated the safety and efficacy of these devices in restoring walking function. Most recently, Dr. Zhang has pioneered investigations into the brain–gut axis (2024, 5 citations), revealing that exoskeleton-assisted walking can positively alter intestinal flora and bowel function—a groundbreaking contribution that expands the therapeutic scope beyond mobility to systemic physiological benefits. Her research bridges engineering and clinical medicine, translating robotic technology into tangible improvements in daily living and autonomic health. With a career dedicated to advancing assistive robotics, Dr. Zhang’s work is shaping the future of SCI rehabilitation, offering new hope for functional recovery and holistic well-being.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Effects of a lower limb walking exoskeleton on quality of life and activities of daily living in patients with complete spinal cord injury: A randomized controlled trial

   12 citations · 2023
2. 2
   EFFECT OF LOWER EXTREMITY EXOSKELETON ROBOT IMPROVING WALKING FUNCTION AND ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH COMPLETE SPINAL CORD INJURY

   7 citations · 2019
3. 3
   Effects of exoskeleton-assisted walking on bowel function in motor-complete spinal cord injury patients: involvement of the brain–gut axis, a pilot study

   5 citations · 2024

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links