Examination of the clinical and neuroscientific effectiveness of walking support robots (single leg/part type) and classification of devices

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K19802
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: Teikyo Heisei University
• Principal Investigator: IIDA Shuhei 帝京平成大学, 健康メディカル学部, 講師 (10749211)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: ロボット型長下肢装具 / ロボット型短下肢装具 / 脳卒中片麻痺 / 表面脳血流動態 / 片脚・局所型歩行支援ロボット

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study investigated the clinical and neurological effects of a single-legged/part-type walking support robot for patients with hemiplegia due to stroke.
In the first study, robotic knee ankle foot orthosis (KAFO) and ankle foot orthosis (AFO) were used and compared with a normal type of AFO group. The results showed that the support time of the paralyzed lower limb and walking speed were improved. In the second study, cerebral blood flow dynamics and electroencephalography were measured during robotic AFO use. The results confirmed activation of movement-related areas. In the third study, walking support robots were classified by function and symptom, and the most suitable devices were compiled according to the symptoms of patients with hemiplegia.
This research demonstrated the clinical effectiveness of single-legged/part-type walking support robots, and also suggested the possibility of neurological effects.

Free Research Field

リハビリテーション科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の学術的意義として、単脚・局所型歩行支援ロボットが脳卒中片麻痺者のリハビリテーションに及ぼす臨床的効果を明らかにしたことにある。特に、機器の使用が麻痺側下肢の荷重時間や歩行速度の改善に寄与したことは、本研究の新たな発見である。また神経学的効果として、脳の運動関連領域の活性化を確認することができたことは、リハビリテーション科学におけるエビデンスをさらに充実させた。これらの研究成果を基に、一部の機器の機能別・適応症状別の分類化を推奨することができた。
脳卒中リハビリテーションにおける治療選択肢の拡大、また、患者に適したロボット機器を選択する過程の情報を提供したことに社会的意義がある。