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About

Dr. Tomohiro Nakayama is a pioneering researcher in pediatric neurorehabilitation, specializing in the application of wearable robotic technologies for children with cerebral palsy and spinal cord disorders. His work centers on the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL), the world’s first cyborg-type wearable robotic device, which assists voluntary movement and facilitates muscle activity. Dr. Nakayama’s major contributions include demonstrating the feasibility and safety of HAL training in pediatric populations, particularly through the development and evaluation of a smaller HAL (2S size) that accommodates children previously excluded due to height requirements. His 2018 study on robot-assisted training using HAL for cerebral palsy, with 50 citations, is a foundational work in the field. He has also provided long-term evidence of HAL’s benefits through a 1-year follow-up study, showing sustained improvements in gait and motor function. Notable achievements include pioneering voluntary-assisted upper limb training for severe cerebral palsy, combining robotics with neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and reporting on the first successful applications of HAL in children with spinal cord disorders. With a growing citation record and recent publications in 2025, Dr. Nakayama continues to shape the future of pediatric robotic rehabilitation, offering hope for improved mobility and independence in children with motor disabilities.