Papers

15

Total Citations

2,672

H-Index

13

About

Masataka Sakane is a biomechanical engineer and rehabilitation scientist whose research has profoundly shaped our understanding of knee joint mechanics and advanced robotic-assisted rehabilitation. His most influential work, conducted largely in the late 1990s and early 2000s, employed sophisticated robotic manipulator technology combined with universal force-moment sensor systems to directly measure in situ forces within knee ligaments — a methodological breakthrough that transformed ligament biomechanics research. His landmark studies on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament, and medial collateral ligament, collectively amassing over 1,600 citations, revealed the critical roles of individual ligament bundles, muscle loading, and meniscal structures in maintaining knee stability. His finding that the medial meniscus serves as a vital stabilizer in ACL-deficient knees (425 citations) has had lasting clinical implications for surgical decision-making. Later in his career, Sakane pivoted toward translational rehabilitation engineering, contributing to pioneering clinical evaluations of the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) robotic exoskeleton for stroke patients, earning over 300 additional citations. His career exemplifies a rare and impactful trajectory from fundamental biomechanical science to applied clinical rehabilitation technology.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

13
H-Index
15
Papers
2,672
Total Citations
178
Avg Citations/Paper
🏆 Most Cited Paper
The importance of quadriceps and hamstring muscle loading on knee kinematics and in-situ forces in the ACL
579 citations · 1999
📈 Most Prolific Year: 1999 (4 Papers)
🤝 Key Collaborators: 35
🏛 Institutions: University of Pittsburgh, University of Tsukuba, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Top Papers

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Key Collaborators

Contact & Links

Available for collaboration
Content generated · 14 days ago