Yasuyuki Fujimoto

National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Yasuyuki Fujimoto is a leading researcher in neurorehabilitation robotics, with a primary focus on restoring mobility in patients with severe neurological impairments. His work centers on the clinical application of the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL), a cyborg-type robot that provides powered gait assistance. Fujimoto’s major contributions include pioneering the use of HAL for acute stroke rehabilitation, demonstrating that early, robot-assisted gait training is both feasible and superior to conventional physical therapy for patients with severe walking disabilities. His pilot study (2019, 40 citations) established the safety and potential of HAL for high-dosage gait training immediately post-stroke, while his subsequent randomized controlled trial (2023, 15 citations) provided rigorous evidence that HAL significantly improves walking independence and functional outcomes. These studies are notable for targeting the acute phase of stroke, a critical window for neuroplasticity, and for addressing a population often excluded from intensive gait training. Fujimoto’s work is highly impactful, directly informing clinical protocols for robotic rehabilitation and offering new hope for patients with severe paralysis. His research bridges engineering and clinical medicine, making him a key figure in advancing cyborg-type rehabilitation technologies.