ProfessorEfficient temporal and spatial combination of movements enables athletes to accomplish extreme performances leading to success in sports competitions. On the other hand, long-term losses of physical movements and activity may lead to various chronic life-style associated diseases. Our research focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms for improvement and deterioration in movement skills and efficiency, in order to provide useful information for healthy lifestyles and athletic activities.
Medical care cost and physical activity & performance Geriatr Gerontol Int 2010 (Epub)
Facilitation of skeletal muscle differentiation by suppression of a protein that maintains undifferentiated status of myogenic precursor cells (J Cell Sci 122, 4427-4438, 2009).
Measuring oxygen uptake of skiing
Professor
Associate ProfessorOur aim is to improve the QOL by technologies of advanced medical welfare systems such as development of the sensing and actuator devices, integration of the system, and information processing technologies, et al.. The research and education involved the innovation of the sensor/actuator for medical welfare field, integration of mechatoronics technologies including measurement and control, and advanced information processing technologies are carried out in our Laboratory.
Palpation sensor for monitoring skin conditions
Tactile sensor system for reading Braille
ProfessorThe neuromodulation mechanism that includes the electronic information transmission is one of the control-information systems of the living body and has important relations to functions of the living body. In this laboratory, assistive technology and neural prosthesis, therapeutic and rehabilitation systems for motor and/or sensory disabilities are studied focusing on electronic external control technique of the neuromuscular system on the basis of control engineering and electronic engineering.
Development of wearable motion measurement system and its application to evaluation of the motor function
Development of FES rehabilitation system (applications to gait rehabilitation and FES cycling wheelchair rehabilitation)
ProfessorIn order to realize an independent living of elderly people and disabled people and a safe and secure life, the construction of new engineering filed that supports life and livelihood i.e. life support engineering. Our laboratory promotes education and research concerning life support engineering through studies on investigation of fall mechanism, development of footwear and floor for fall prevention, development of evaluation method of gait stability, and development of high-performance sport equipment and livingware, etc.
Elucidation of the mechanism of slip-related falls
Development of high slip resistant shoe outsole pattern
