Donghwan Hwang
Ministry of Health and Welfare, National Rehabilitation Center
Papers
3
Total Citations
56
H-Index
3
About
Donghwan Hwang is a leading researcher in the field of neurorehabilitation robotics, with a specific focus on upper extremity recovery for stroke survivors. His work critically examines how different robotic designs influence patient outcomes, particularly by comparing exoskeletal robots with and without active actuation. In a landmark single-blinded randomised controlled pilot study—his most cited work with 38 citations—Hwang demonstrated that the type of robotic assistance can significantly affect rehabilitation effectiveness and usability, challenging the assumption that more robotic power is always better. He has also pioneered the use of kinematic assessments to objectively measure impairment changes during robotic therapy, correlating movement features with clinical scales like the Fugl-Meyer Assessment. This work, cited 13 times, provides a quantitative framework for evaluating patient progress beyond subjective observation. Hwang’s research is notable for its emphasis on patient-centered design, arguing that excessive robotic actuation may hinder active learning and participation. By bridging engineering, neuroscience, and clinical practice, Hwang is helping to shape the next generation of smarter, more effective rehabilitation technologies that prioritize patient engagement and measurable recovery.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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