Mari Shibukawa

Papers

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About

Mari Shibukawa is a pioneering researcher in the field of robotic neurorehabilitation, with a specific focus on improving mobility and quality of life for patients with neuromuscular disorders. Her work centers on the therapeutic application of the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL), a wearable robot that detects weak bioelectrical signals to provide voluntary, intention-driven gait assistance. Shibukawa’s major contribution lies in demonstrating that robot-assisted training can meaningfully ameliorate gait ability in conditions traditionally considered resistant to conventional therapy. Her landmark 2022 study on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, which has garnered 25 citations, showed that HAL training could improve walking function even in progressive neurodegenerative disease. More recently, her 2024 preliminary study on spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) has begun to explore the long-term effects of robot suit exercise on both gait and quality of life. By bridging advanced robotics with clinical neurology, Shibukawa is opening new avenues for rehabilitation where few existed before, offering hope and tangible functional gains to patients with severe motor impairments. Her work is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of wearable robotics and neurodegenerative disease management.