Shigeru Sonoda
Papers
8
Total Citations
164
H-Index
7
About
Shigeru Sonoda is a leading rehabilitation medicine researcher whose work sits at the intersection of robotic technology and neurological recovery, with a particular focus on stroke rehabilitation. His research has centered on developing and clinically validating robotic systems designed to restore mobility and upper-limb function in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. Sonoda's most celebrated contribution is his work on the Gait Exercise Assist Robot (GEAR), a sophisticated treadmill-based system that enables early-stage gait retraining with precise, cycle-synchronized knee support — reducing compensatory movement patterns that can hinder recovery. His 2019 randomized controlled trial of GEAR, which has garnered 68 citations, stands as a landmark study in rehabilitation robotics. Beyond gait recovery, Sonoda has investigated robotic upper-limb training for subacute stroke patients and demonstrated that combining neuromuscular electrical stimulation with robotic therapy can meaningfully enhance recovery of paretic arms. His 2020 real-world effectiveness study of the Welwalk robot further bridges laboratory findings and clinical practice. With contributions spanning system development, motor learning theory, and rigorous clinical trials, Sonoda's body of work has substantially advanced evidence-based robotic rehabilitation for stroke survivors.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 7Robot-aided training for upper limbs of sub-acute stroke patients7 citations · 2015
- 8Development of rehabilitation robots2 citations · 2013