Marina Minakuchi

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About

Dr. Marina Minakuchi is a pioneering researcher in neurorehabilitation, specializing in brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) for stroke recovery. Her work centers on restoring motor function in paralyzed patients by harnessing neural plasticity through physiologically congruent feedback. Dr. Minakuchi’s major contributions include the development of the **Digital Mirror Box (DMB)** , a BMI system that trains affected motor cortical activity in stroke patients with hand paralysis, and a rehabilitation system integrating **event-related desynchronization (ERD)** with proprioceptive feedback to enhance motor-imagery training. Her most-cited study (14 citations) demonstrates how real-time detection of mu band (8–13 Hz) desynchronization can drive prosthetic feedback, significantly improving motor outcomes. A second influential paper (6 citations) validates the DMB’s ability to induce cortical reorganization, offering a non-invasive, scalable solution for chronic stroke rehabilitation. Dr. Minakuchi’s work bridges fundamental neuroscience and clinical application, providing a framework for low-cost, home-based neurorehabilitation. Her innovative use of proprioceptive feedback—rather than visual cues alone—sets her apart, addressing a critical gap in motor learning. For students and researchers, her research exemplifies how closed-loop BMI systems can transform rehabilitation, offering hope for millions with motor impairments.