Development of gait training methods for patients with spinal disorders based on symmetric movement of upper and lower limbs during gait

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K19902
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: Shimizu Yukiyo 筑波大学, 医学医療系, 准教授 (40620993)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 脊髄損傷 / ロボットスーツHAL / 上下肢強調 / 上肢駆動HAL

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study is performed as a feasibility study to rehabilitate patients with complete quadri/paraplegia due to spinal cord injuries using robot suit HAL. Patients wore the HAL and were attached electrodes to their upper limbs as a trigger for the paralyzed lower limbs. HAL detects upper limb muscle activity and assists their lower limb motion, and consequently, periodical lower limb muscle activity was seen during stance phases. Gait training for patients with completely paralyzed lower limbs with coordination between upper and lower limbs can be a new option for patients with spinal cord injuries.

Free Research Field

リハビリテーション

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

脊髄損傷に伴う完全四肢・対麻痺者にとって、歩行訓練を随意的に行うことは困難である。歩行支援ロボットが注目されているが、完全麻痺者にロボットを使用する場合は、随意的な運動というよりは受動的なものとなる。本研究では、装着者の残存する部位の筋活動により随意的な麻痺肢を動かすことで、随意的な運動が可能であり、痙縮が緩和するという結果が見られ、脊髄損傷の新たなリハビリテーション法としての可能性が示された。