Ming Xiao

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Ming Xiao is a leading researcher in the fields of human motor control, neurorehabilitation, and assistive robotics, with a particular focus on understanding how the nervous system adapts during locomotion. His major contributions center on the phase-dependent modulation of spinal reflexes during walking, a critical mechanism for maintaining balance and coordination. In his highly cited 2011 study, "Soleus H-reflex phase-dependent modulation is preserved during stepping within a robotic exoskeleton," Xiao demonstrated that the H-reflex—a key measure of spinal excitability—remains dynamically modulated across the gait cycle even when stepping is assisted by a robotic exoskeleton. This finding, with 28 citations, has profound implications for designing neurorehabilitation protocols that leverage natural neural plasticity, suggesting that robotic devices can be used to preserve or restore normal reflex patterns in individuals with spinal cord injury or stroke. Xiao’s work bridges fundamental neuroscience and applied engineering, offering insights that inform the development of more intuitive, adaptive exoskeletons. His research continues to shape how clinicians and engineers approach motor recovery, making him a pivotal figure in the intersection of neural control and rehabilitation technology.