Masaru Yanagihashi

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Dr. Masaru Yanagihashi is a pioneering researcher in the field of rehabilitative robotics, with a focused expertise in applying wearable robotic technologies to improve motor function in patients with neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases. His major contributions center on the clinical application of the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL), a robotic suit that detects weak bioelectrical signals to assist voluntary movement. In his most cited work (25 citations), Dr. Yanagihashi demonstrated that robot-assisted training with HAL significantly ameliorates gait ability in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), offering a novel therapeutic avenue for a condition with limited mobility interventions. He further extended this line of inquiry in a preliminary study on spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), exploring the long-term effects of HAL exercise training on gait function and quality of life. Though early in citation impact, this work underscores his commitment to rigorous, patient-centered research. Dr. Yanagihashi’s research is notable for bridging cutting-edge robotics with clinical neurology, providing evidence that wearable exoskeletons can meaningfully enhance independence and well-being in populations with progressive motor decline.