Engineering and Technology
Kazushi Takahashi, PhD
Researcher
Institute of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Tsukuba
Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
Hiroki Watanabe, PhD
Prof.
Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, R Professional University of Rehabilitation
Tsuchiura, Ibaraki, Japan
Yoshitaka Okamoto, PhD
Physical Therapist
Department of Physical Therapy, University of Tsukuba Hospital
Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
Kayo Tokeji, MD
Dr
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba
Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
Yuki Mataki, MD
Dr
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba
Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
Yukiyo Shimizu, MD, PhD
Dr
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba
Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
Yasushi Hada, MD, PhD
Prof.
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba
Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
Robot-Assisted Gait Training (RAGT) enables precise and repetitive practice of physiological gait patterns using robotic devices. In pediatric rehabilitation, it provides engaging training that supports sustained motivation and may promote functional recovery. Despite its clinical potential, evidence for the efficacy of RAGT in Japanese pediatric populations remains limited. This study conducted a scoping review to map the current landscape of RAGT research for children with gait disorders in Japan.
Design:
The protocol followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The search framework was structured as follows: Population: children with gait disorders; Concept: conditions treated with RAGT, robotic devices applied, and evaluation metrics; Outcomes: primary effects of RAGT; and Context: studies published in Japanese literature. Searches were conducted in Ichushi-Web and CiNii Research for the period 2005-2024. Eligibility criteria were participants aged ≤18 years with gait disorders, and intervention studies involving RAGT. In addition to original research articles and case reports, conference abstracts and theses were included.
Results:
The database search identified 69 records. After removing duplicates, 18 studies included following title, abstract, and full-text screening. All were designed as pre-post comparative trials. Cerebral palsy was the target condition in 68% of studies. The most frequently used devices were Hybrid Assistive Limb ®(HAL), Physio Gait®, and ACSIVE®, in that order. Primary evaluation metrics were predominantly gait function assessments, and most studies reported improvements in gait outcomes.
Conclusion:
All robotic devices identified were developed by domestic universities and companies, suggesting limited exposure to major robotic devices from abroad. Furthermore, no randomized controlled trials were conducted, indicating that both the quality and quantity of pediatric RAGT research in Japan remain limited.
