Keita Higashi
Papers
2
Total Citations
24
H-Index
2
About
Keita Higashi is a researcher at the forefront of rehabilitation robotics and neurorehabilitation, focusing on how assistive devices can restore and enhance human gait. His work uniquely bridges neural mechanisms and robotic engineering, exploring how spinal cord circuits adapt to external assistance. In a highly cited 2020 study (21 citations), Higashi demonstrated that a close-fitting walking assistive device can rapidly modulate spinal cord reciprocal inhibition, revealing the immediate neurophysiological impact of wearable technology. More recently, his 2022 investigation into robotic ankle control showed that such systems can provide appropriate, phase-specific assistance throughout the entire gait cycle—a critical advancement over conventional ankle-foot orthoses, which only support stance and swing phases. This work highlights the potential of robotic-controlled orthoses to deliver continuous, adaptive support, moving beyond static bracing toward intelligent, responsive rehabilitation. By combining rigorous neurophysiological measurement with cutting-edge robotic design, Higashi is helping to define how next-generation assistive devices can not only compensate for impairment but actively retrain neural pathways, offering new hope for individuals with gait disabilities.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 2