Akira Matsushita
University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences
Papers
9
Total Citations
65
H-Index
4
About
Akira Matsushita is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of rehabilitation robotics and neuroimaging, whose work centers on developing and validating wearable exoskeletons for patients with severe neurological impairments. His primary research areas include hybrid assistive limb (HAL) technology, MRI-compatible robotic systems, and the clinical translation of assistive robotics. Matsushita's most significant contribution is his leadership in demonstrating the therapeutic potential of the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) exoskeleton, which uses bioelectric signals to support voluntary movement. His landmark 2016 case report on HAL for postoperative training in thoracic ossification (33 citations) established a foundation for robotic rehabilitation in spinal cord injury. He further expanded this work by using functional MRI to map brain activity during HAL intervention in a chronic C4 quadriplegia patient (2022), providing unprecedented insights into neuroplasticity. Matsushita has also innovated in MRI-powered robotic systems for cryoablation, and his 2010 guideline for clinical trials in assistive robotics has shaped ethical frameworks in the field. With over 60 total citations across his most-cited works, his research continues to bridge engineering, neuroscience, and clinical practice, offering transformative solutions for patients with paralysis and gait disorders.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 3Development of an MRI-powered robotic system for cryoablation4 citations · 2015
- 4Development of MRI-powered modular robotic system4 citations · 2014
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- 9Safety and Ethical Issues in the Development of Human Assistive Robots2 citations · 2014