Ayako Furumoto
Papers
1
Total Citations
6
H-Index
1
About
Ayako Furumoto is a leading researcher in rehabilitation robotics and neurorehabilitation, with a primary focus on restoring mobility for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Her work centers on the clinical application of powered exoskeletons, particularly the medial-type wearable power-assist locomotor (WPAL), to enable independent gait in patients with complex, multi-level injuries. In her landmark 2017 case study, Furumoto demonstrated the clinical feasibility of WPAL training for a patient with both incomplete cervical and complete thoracic SCI—a challenging population often excluded from exoskeleton trials. This work, cited 6 times, provided critical evidence that medial-type exoskeletons can facilitate safe, functional walking even in individuals with tetraplegia, expanding the potential user base for robotic gait training. Beyond this study, Furumoto’s contributions include refining training protocols to optimize motor recovery and reduce fall risk. Her research bridges engineering and clinical practice, offering practical solutions for severe paralysis. With a growing citation impact, she is recognized for pushing the boundaries of assistive technology, making her a key figure in advancing mobility solutions for the SCI community.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
- 1