A revolution in cancer rehabilitation powered by robotic exoskeletons
From ‘unable to move’ to ‘active training’: Breakthrough achieved by joint team from Shanghai and Ningde in international journal Research
Research
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Figure 1. Development and applications of robotic exoskeletons.
view moreCredit: Copyright © 2025 Yisheng Chen et al.
1. Robotic Exoskeleton Technology: A Revolutionary Hope for Cancer Rehabilitation
Cancer rehabilitation remains a global medical challenge, exacerbated by low referral rates, insufficient facilities, and geographic limitations, which hinder patients' access to systematic rehabilitation. Traditional rehabilitation methods often produce limited outcomes, particularly for patients suffering from sarcopenia or functional impairments following surgery or chemotherapy.
Robotic exoskeletons have emerged as a promising solution to this issue. Recently, a review article by the research teams led by Professor Chen Shiyi from Huashan Hospital, Professor Dai Li Hua from the Affiliated City Dong Hospital, and Director Wu Guanghui from the Affiliated Ningde Hospital was published in the renowned journal Research. The study emphasizes how robotic exoskeletons can significantly improve cancer patients' mobility, muscle strength, and gait training, while also contributing to psychological recovery through personalized support and real-time feedback. This innovation is poised to reshape the future of cancer rehabilitation.
2. Precision Rehabilitation: Robotic Exoskeletons Opening a New Era
The study categorizes robotic exoskeleton systems into two main types: active assistive and passive exoskeletons. Active exoskeletons, which rely on sensors and actuators to provide power assistance, are particularly effective for patients with lower limb weakness or paralysis. In contrast, passive exoskeletons offer stability and support, making them ideal for early-stage rehabilitation or patients with mild impairments. The primary benefits include:
· Enhanced Gait and Balance: Dynamic support improves walking ability and reduces the risk of falls.
· Increased Muscle Strength: Adjustable resistance combats muscle atrophy resulting from chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
· Psychological Support: Real-time feedback and gradual training boost patient confidence, mitigating anxiety and depression.
· Personalized Rehabilitation: The exoskeleton can be tailored to the patient’s specific needs based on genomic and clinical data, allowing for individualized rehabilitation plans.
This suggests that robotic exoskeletons are not merely walking aids but also precision medical tools for cancer rehabilitation.
3. Overcoming Barriers: Cloud-Based Rehabilitation through Exoskeletons and Telemedicine
Cancer patients with bone metastases face significant restrictions on physical activity. Although personalized training under medical supervision is recommended, its practical implementation is often challenging.
The solution proposed by the research team integrates exoskeletons and telemedicine. Through remote monitoring, virtual exercise plans, vocational counseling, and exoskeleton-assisted training, patients can now undergo rehabilitation at home, reducing medical costs and improving quality of life.
4. Multidimensional Rehabilitation: Exoskeletons as a Core Component of Integrated Therapies
Contemporary cancer rehabilitation increasingly emphasizes multimodal, collaborative interventions. Robotic exoskeletons play a central role in this paradigm shift, integrating nutritional support, psychological counseling, and traditional therapies to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Key findings from the study include:
· Combining exoskeleton training with protein and vitamin D supplementation enhances muscle mass and bone density in patients.
· Cognitive behavioral therapy integrated with exoskeleton training effectively improves patient adherence to treatment plans.
· Combining natural therapies such as forest bathing with exoskeleton-assisted outdoor walking reduces patient anxiety and improves overall quality of life.
This "exercise + psychology + nutrition + environment" multidimensional rehabilitation model represents the future of cancer rehabilitation.
5. Cross-Disciplinary Integration: A New Paradigm for Medical-Engineering Collaboration
This review study, led by Associate Professor Chen Yisheng and Director Dai Lihua, brings together more than 20 leading domestic and international institutions, including Huashan Hospital, Ningde City Hospital, and Huazhong University of Science and Technology. The interdisciplinary team encompasses fields such as neurosurgery, sports medicine, artificial intelligence, and oncology, demonstrating the potential of cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Through this partnership, the team has integrated robotic technology, clinical medicine, data science, and patient psychology, leading to the development of an AI-based personalized rehabilitation assessment and intervention platform. This platform, which incorporates real-time biomechanical feedback, telemedicine, and virtual reality technologies, will provide more intelligent and precise rehabilitation solutions. This achievement not only highlights China's advancements in intelligent rehabilitation medicine but also sets a new benchmark for interdisciplinary collaboration and clinical translation.
6. Future Prospects of Robotic Exoskeletons in Cancer Rehabilitation
Robotic exoskeletons represent a groundbreaking innovation in cancer rehabilitation, offering numerous benefits such as improved physical functions and positive psychological support. Supported by national policies and piloted in fields like elderly care, robotic exoskeletons are gradually gaining traction.
Future research will focus on the long-term effects of robotic exoskeletons, particularly their adaptability to different cancer types and patient groups. The integration of emerging technologies, including virtual reality and telemedicine, is expected to further enhance the accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness of rehabilitation services.
Sources: https://spj.science.org/doi/10.34133/research.0855
Figure 2. Applications of robotic exoskeletons in various fields.
Credit
Copyright © 2025 Yisheng Chen et al.
Journal
Research
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News article
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Article Title
Applications of Robotic Exoskeletons as Motion-Assistive Systems in Cancer Rehabilitation
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