Researcher basic information

• Ph.D. (Engineering), Yokohama National University
• M.Eng. (Engineering), Yokohama National University
• B.Sc. (Physiotherapy), Kitasato University

• https://researchmap.jp/rieko_yamamoto?lang=en

• https://jglobal.jst.go.jp/detail?JGLOBAL_ID=202101013543024242
• https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6032-8257

• https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6032-8257

• 202101013543024242

• Medical and Welfare Engineering, Gait Rehabilitation, Neurorehabilitation Engineering, Gait Assistive Technology, Fall Prevention, Musculoskeletal and Neuromuscular Biomechanics, Three-Dimensional Motion Analysis, Biosignal Analysis, Wearable Physiological Monitoring, Actigraphy, Environmental Assessment of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields

• Life Science, Medical assistive technology
• Life Science, Rehabilitation science
• Life Science, Neuroscience-general
• Life Science, Hygiene and public health: excluding laboratory approach

Research activity information

• Impact of prenatal manganese and selenium exposure on childhood thyroid hormone parameters up to 4 years of age: Japan environment and children’s study
  Takeshi Yamaguchi; Hiroyoshi Iwata; Sachiko Itoh; Yu Ait Bamai; Atsuko Ikeda; Keitaro Makino; Mariko Itoh; Rahel Mesfin Ketema; Naomi Tamura; Rieko Yamamoto; Maki Tojo; Kensuke Oba; Shuntaro Morikawa; Yasuaki Saijo; Yoshiya Ito; Reiko Kishi
  Environment International, Jun. 2026, [Peer-reviewed]
  Scientific journal
• Latent class analysis of mobile phone usage patterns and association with sleep problems in children: Findings from the Hokkaido Birth Cohort Study
  Ammara Ajmal; Naomi Tamura; Yu Ait Bamai; Keiko Yamazaki; Toshio Yoshikawa; Rieko Yamamoto; Mariko Itoh; Keitaro Makino; Takashi Hikage; Tatsuya Kashiwa; Toshihiko Nishimura; Atsuko Ikeda; Reiko Kishi
  Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 22, 101077, 101077, Elsevier BV, May 2026, [Peer-reviewed]
  Scientific journal
• Toxic metals and trace elements in maternal blood and urinary tract infection during the first 2 years of life: The Japan Environment and Children's Study.
  Keitaro Makino; Hiroyoshi Iwata; Takeshi Yamaguchi; Atsuko Ikeda; Yu Ait Bamai; Sachiko Itoh; Mariko Itoh; Maki Tojo; Naomi Tamura; Rieko Yamamoto; Rahel Mesfin Ketema; Yasuaki Saijo; Yoshiya Ito; Reiko Kishi
  The Science of the total environment, 1006, 180895, 180895, 01 Dec. 2025, [Peer-reviewed], [International Magazine]
  English, Scientific journal, BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections in young children and can lead to long-term renal complications. While established risk factors exist, the effect of prenatal exposure to toxic metals and trace elements on UTI risk remains unclear. We examined the association between maternal blood levels of these elements and UTI risk in early childhood. METHODS: This study is based on a nationwide birth cohort, the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), which obtained data from over 100,000 pregnancies through 15 Regional Centres across Japan. Maternal blood samples were collected during mid-late pregnancy and the concentrations of selenium, manganese, lead, cadmium, and mercury were measured. Child UTI diagnoses during the first 2 years of life were assessed by caregiver questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression models examined associations between log2-transformed level of metals and trace elements and UTI. RESULTS: Overall, 79,161 mother-child pairs were analyzed. During the first 2 years, 877 (1.1 %) children were diagnosed with UTI. Higher maternal selenium levels were associated with increased UTI risk (Odds ratio for a twofold increase in selenium: 1.58, 95 % CI: 1.06-2.35) after adjusting for covariates. The adjusted odds ratios (95 % CI) of other elements were 0.97 (0.82-1.14) in manganese, 1.01 (0.88-1.15) in lead, 0.94 (0.84-1.05) in cadmium, and 1.02 (0.93-1.11) in mercury. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated maternal selenium levels may increase susceptibility to UTIs during the first 2 years of life. Further studies are needed to investigate long-term effects, including bladder and kidney dysfunction.
• Childhood obesity and DNA methylation in an epigenome-wide association study: findings from the Hokkaido Birth Cohort.
  Hiroyoshi Iwata; Chihiro Miyashita; Takeshi Yamaguchi; Atsuko Ikeda; Ryu Miura; Machiko Minatoya; Naomi Tamura; Yu Ait Bamai; Sachiko Itoh; Keiko Yamazaki; Rahel Mesfin Ketema; Mariko Itoh; Maki Tojo; Rieko Yamamoto; Keitaro Makino; Reiko Kishi
  Clinical epigenetics, 18, 1, 7, 7, 01 Dec. 2025, [Peer-reviewed], [International Magazine]
  English, Scientific journal, BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is a pressing public health and pediatric issue. Recently, epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) has received increasing research attention and revealed the association between cord blood methylation and pediatric health problems. However, the relationship between cord blood DNA methylation and childhood obesity remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to assess cord blood DNA methylation and its association with childhood obesity using an EWAS. RESULTS: The present study included 12-year-old children with obesity and control participants from the Hokkaido Study on Environment and Children's Health (the Hokkaido cohort), a prospective birth cohort study. The Hokkaido cohort study collected participants' cord blood samples at birth, which were evaluated using an EWAS. We conducted robust linear regression analysis for the differentially methylated positions (DMPs). Thereafter, we also conducted differentially methylated region (DMR) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. As a result, our analysis involved 500 children, comprising 218 individuals with obesity and 282 controls with no obesity. After quality control, 428 high-quality samples remained (192 children with obesity and 236 controls). Although our DMP analysis did not produce statistically significant results with adjusted p-values with Bonferroni correction and local false discovery rate (FDR) correction, our DMP analysis identified potential candidate genes with a global FDR correction of < 0.05. Three differentially methylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine candidate sites (cg27093962 in dynein regulatory complex 1 [DRC1], cg25187049 in Potassium Voltage-Gated Channel Subfamily B Member 2 [KCNB2], and cg07817806 in Uromodulin [UMOD]) were found to be potentially associated with childhood obesity. Among them, KCNB2 and UMOD are implicated in metabolic and inflammatory pathways relevant to obesity. While DMR analysis did not produce statistically significant results, KEGG analysis revealed potential pathways associated with childhood obesity. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests three candidate DMPs and pathways that may explain the association between DNA methylation at birth and obesity at 12 years of age.
• The impact of pediatric constipation on appendicitis: a prospective birth cohort in the Japan Environment and Children's Study.
  Hiroyoshi Iwata; Takeshi Yamaguchi; Sachiko Itoh; Yu Ait Bamai; Atsuko Ikeda; Keitaro Makino; Mariko Itoh; Maki Tojo; Rieko Yamamoto; Naomi Tamura; Rahel Mesfin Ketema; Yasuaki Saijo; Yoshiya Ito; Reiko Kishi
  BMC pediatrics, 25, 1, 962, 962, 26 Nov. 2025, [Peer-reviewed], [International Magazine]
  English, Scientific journal, BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the association between constipation and appendicitis in children using data from a nationwide birth cohort, the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). METHODS: Data were obtained from 64,772 children and their mothers participating in JECS, which included over 100,000 pregnancies across 15 regional centres in Japan. Pediatric constipation was assessed at age three using the Rome III criteria, while appendicitis cases were identified between ages three to four. Logistic regression analyses, including univariable and multivariable models, were conducted to evaluate associations. Additional analyses were stratified by sex. RESULTS: Among the 64,772 children analyzed, 156 cases of appendicitis were identified between the ages of 3 and 4 years. Logistic regression suggested a possible association between constipation and an increased risk of appendicitis (univariable odds ratio [OR]: 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87–2.10; multivariable OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 0.86–2.06). Although the associations did not reach statistical significance, the point estimates consistently indicated a trend toward increased risk. CONCLUSION: Although our analyses of children aged 3–4 years did not yield statistically significant associations, the observed trends may suggest a potential link between constipation and appendicitis. These findings should be interpreted only as exploratory, and further studies in different age groups, including older children and adults, are warranted to confirm or refute this possible association. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-025-06263-7.
• Prediction of Kawasaki disease coronary artery lesions in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
  Hiroyoshi Iwata; Takeshi Yamaguchi; Naomi Tamura; Yu Ait Bamai; Atsuko Ikeda; Mariko Itoh; Rieko Yamamoto; Maki Tojo; Rahel Mesfin Ketema; Keiko Yamazaki; Sachiko Itoh; Keitaro Makino; Satoru Shida; Yasuaki Saijo; Yoshiya Ito; Reiko Kishi
  Annals of Pediatric Cardiology, 18, 5, 437, 446, Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), Sep. 2025, [Peer-reviewed]
  Scientific journal, Objective:
  
  This study aimed to validate a composite of previously identified risk factors for predicting coronary artery lesions in Japanese children with Kawasaki Disease (KD).
  
  Materials and Methods:
  
  Children diagnosed with KD from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) cohort were included. We assessed the discriminative ability of the model using the area under the curve (AUC) and evaluated its calibration using calibration plots. Based on clinical insights, we derived our original model, which consisted of variables established in previous score models or studies. Using the bootstrap method, internal validation was assessed with the AUC and calibration slope.
  
  Results:
  
  Our analysis included 959 children with KD, derived from 104,062 pediatric records contained in the JECS. Our model comprised the following variables: sex, hematocrit, platelet count, C-reactive protein, and serum sodium levels. The mean and 95% confidence intervals of the AUCs for the Harada, Egami, and Kobayashi models were 0.66 (0.59–0.72), 0.59 (0.52–0.66), and 0.64 (0.56–0.72), respectively. Our score model with bootstrap analyses produced an AUC of 0.80 (0.68–0.91) and a calibration slope of 1.01.
  
  Conclusions:
  
  We built and evaluated our score model using indicators that were easily accessible with a moderate-to-high AUC and stable calibration results, indicating the high reliability of the model for clinical application. Further studies are required to validate our model in other cohorts.
• Development and Evaluation of an Assistive Device for Fall Prevention in Elderly and Individuals with Mobility Impairments :Fall Prevention Assistive Technology Using Magnetorheological Fluid
  Rieko Yamamoto; Kohei Morimura; Sho Itami; Toshihiko Shiraishi
  Journal of Japan Society for Safety Engineering, 64, 3, 173, 179, Jun. 2025, [Invited], [Lead author, Corresponding author]
• A Study of a Controllable and Gait Assistive Orthosis for Lateral Fall Suppression
  Rieko Yamamoto; Toshihiko Shiraishi
  DOCTORAL THESIS, 1, 233, Mar. 2025, [Lead author]
  English, Doctoral thesis
• Association between prenatal exposure to maternal metal and trace elements and Streptococcus infection: A prospective birth cohort in the Japan Environment and Children's Study.
  Hiroyoshi Iwata; Atsuko Ikeda; Mariko Itoh; Rahel Mesfin Ketema; Naomi Tamura; Takeshi Yamaguchi; Keiko Yamazaki; Rieko Yamamoto; Maki Tojo; Yu Ait Bamai; Yasuaki Saijo; Yoshiya Ito; Reiko Kishi
  PloS one, 20, 2, e0319356, e0319356, Public Library of Science (PLoS), 27 Feb. 2025, [Peer-reviewed], [International Magazine]
  English, Scientific journal, Background
  
  Streptococcus infection is a common and potentially severe bacterial infection which remains a global public health challenge, underscoring the necessity of investigating potential risk factors.
  
  Aims
  
  The present study aims to assess the association between metal and trace element exposure and Streptococcus infection using a prospective nationwide birth cohort, the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS).
  
  Methods
  
  The JECS obtained data from over 100,000 pregnancies through 15 Regional Centres across Japan. We assessed toxic metal and trace element levels among pregnant mothers and Streptococcus infection among their children, born between 2011 and 2014, at age three to four. Analysis was performed using univariable and multivariable logistic regressions, as well as Quantile g-computation. We also conducted quartile regressions to assess the effects of higher serum selenium levels and potential interactions between selenium and mercury.
  
  Results
  
  Among 74,434 infants and their mothers, univariable and multivariable regression analyses found that selenium and mercury each had an inverse association with Streptococcus infection incidence. Quantile g-computation analysis yielded results consistent with the primary regression analyses. Quartile regression suggested that serum selenium levels above the third quartile were inversely associated with later Streptococcus infection incidence, but no interaction between selenium and mercury was found.
  
  Conclusions
  
  These findings imply that maternal selenium exposure may have protective effects on Streptococcus infection among children. Further studies should explore the role of pediatric selenium in immune responses to infectious diseases, especially Streptococcus infection.
• Assistive Technology for Real-Time Fall Prevention During Walking: Evaluation of the Effect of an Intelligent Foot Orthosis
  Rieko Yamamoto; Sho Itami; Masashi Kawabata; Kohei Morimura; Toshihiko Shiraishi
  Journal of Engineering and Science in Medical Diagnostics and Therapy, 8, 1, ASME International, 29 Aug. 2024, [Peer-reviewed], [Lead author, Corresponding author]
  Scientific journal, Abstract
  
  We present an intelligent foot orthosis (IFO) designed to prevent lateral falls during walking by employing a magnetorheological (MR) fluid brake. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of evaluating effectiveness of the proposed orthosis in fall prevention. Seventeen healthy adults underwent four conditions: (1) without IFO, (2) with IFO and current-OFF, (3) with IFO current-ON, and (4) with IFO and control-ON. Gait was assessed by three-dimensional motion capture and with ground reaction force. Postural changes on the frontal plane were measured, and the mediolateral center of gravity and center of pressure inclination angle (ML COG-COP IA) was calculated. Additionally, tibialis anterior (TA) and peroneus longus (PL) muscle activity during walking were measured using surface electromyography. Results indicate a significant increase in ML COG-COP IA in (3). No significant differences were found in muscle activity between conditions. The study suggests that the posture's deviation from the lateral fall direction in (3) is primarily due to wearing the IFO, emphasizing human postural control over muscle activity. A negative correlation between ML COG-COP IA and TA muscle activity under (4), implies that individuals with lower TA muscle activity may benefit more from IFO fall prevention. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the feasibility of preventing lateral falls in human walking using the proposed orthosis with an MR fluid brake. The general efficacy of the orthosis in lateral fall prevention is suggested, emphasizing the need for further development.
• The association between flooring materials and childhood asthma: A prospective birth cohort in the Japan Environment and Children's Study.
  Hiroyoshi Iwata; Atsuko Ikeda; Mariko Itoh; Sachiko Itoh; Rahel Mesfin Ketema; Naomi Tamura; Chihiro Miyashita; Takeshi Yamaguchi; Keiko Yamazaki; Rieko Yamamoto; Maki Tojo; Yasuaki Saijo; Yoshiya Ito; Reiko Kishi
  PloS one, 19, 7, e0305957, 2024, [Peer-reviewed], [International Magazine]
  English, Scientific journal, BACKGROUND: Childhood asthma is known to be affected by a range of factors, including conditions in the indoor environment. While flooring material influences indoor air conditions, the potential association between flooring materials and childhood asthma remains poorly understood in Japan. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to assess the association between childhood asthma incidence and the primary flooring material with the ongoing prospective nationwide birth cohort data of the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). METHODS: The JECS gathered data on mothers and children through 15 Regional Centres across Japan. The present study assessed flooring materials used in the home and asthma incidence at age four among children born between 2011 and 2014. We implemented logistic regressions, setting asthma incidence among the children as the outcome and home floor type as the exposure. Additional analyses were conducted, stratifying the home's age as a proxy for tatami age, to assess whether the potential effect of tatami flooring on asthma risk is influenced by its age. RESULTS: The present study included total of 75,629 infants. For tatami flooring, the main multivariable regression and additional sub-group regression for homes over ten years old produced odds ratios of 1.09; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [1.01-1.17] and 1.10; 95% CI [1.00-1.21] compared with flooring, respectively. CONCLUSION: These results imply that exposure to tatami flooring, particularly in older homes, may be associated with childhood asthma incidence. Moreover, our study highlights the importance of evaluating the relationship between regional and cultural differences between asthma and flooring materials.
• Development of a Compact MR Brake and Its Application to an Orthosis for Gait Assistance and Fall Prevention
  Rieko Yamamoto; Kohei Morimura; Toshihiko Shiraishi
  機械の研究, 75, 5, 333, 341, May 2023, [Invited], [Lead author, Corresponding author]
• Combined Ankle Robot Training and Robot-assisted Gait Training Improved the Gait Pattern of a Patient with Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury.
  Takayuki Kamimoto; Yuichiro Hosoi; Kenya Tanamachi; Rieko Yamamoto; Yuka Yamada; Tatsuya Teramae; Tomoyuki Noda; Fuminari Kaneko; Tetsuya Tsuji; Michiyuki Kawakami
  Progress in rehabilitation medicine, 8, 20230024, 20230024, Aug. 2023, [Peer-reviewed], [Domestic magazines]
  English, Scientific journal, BACKGROUND: : Walking disability caused by central nervous system injury often lingers. In the chronic phase, there is great need to improve walking speed and gait, even for patients who walk independently. Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) has been widely used, but few studies have focused on improving gait patterns, and its effectiveness for motor function has been limited. This report describes the combination of "RAGT to learn the gait pattern" and "ankle robot training to improve motor function" in a patient with chronic stage brain injury. CASE: : A 34-year-old woman suffered a traumatic brain injury 5 years ago. She had residual right hemiplegia [Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremity (FMA-LE): 18 points] and mild sensory impairment, but she walked independently with a short leg brace and a cane. Her comfortable gait speed was 0.57 m/s without an orthosis, and her 6-m walk test distance was 240 m. The Gait Assessment and Intervention Tool (G.A.I.T.) score was 35 points. After hospitalization, ankle robot training was performed daily, with RAGT performed 10 times in total. Post-intervention evaluation performed on Day 28 showed: FMA-LE, 23 points; comfortable walking speed, 0.69 m/s; G.A.I.T., 27 points; and three-dimensional motion analysis showed ankle dorsiflexion improved from 3.22° to 12.59° and knee flexion improved from 1.75° to 16.54° in the swing phase. DISCUSSION: : This is one of few studies to have examined the combination of two robots. Combining the features of each robot improved the gait pattern and motor function, even in the chronic phase.
• Effects of Combining Robot-Assisted Gait Training with Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation on Lower Limb Function in Patients with Stroke or Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  桑原 渉; 佐々木 駿; 山本 理恵子; 岡和田 愛実; 棚町 兼也; 川上 途行; 金子 文成
  基礎理学療法学, 25, Suppl.1, 17, 17, (一社)日本基礎理学療法学会, Jan. 2023, [Peer-reviewed]
  Japanese
• Effect of exoskeleton-assisted Body Weight-Supported Treadmill Training on gait function for patients with chronic stroke: a scoping review.
  Rieko Yamamoto; Shun Sasaki; Wataru Kuwahara; Michiyuki Kawakami; Fuminari Kaneko
  Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation, 19, 1, 143, 143, 21 Dec. 2022, [Peer-reviewed], [Lead author], [International Magazine]
  English, Scientific journal, BACKGROUND: Therapeutic exercise for gait function using an exoskeleton-assisted Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training (BWSTT) has been identified as a potential intervention that allows for task-based repetitive training with appropriate kinematics while adjusting the amount of body weight support (BWS). Nonetheless, its effect on gait in patients with stroke in the chronic phase are yet to be clarified. The primary aim of this scoping review was to present the status of effectiveness of exoskeleton-assisted BWSTT in patients with chronic stroke. The secondary aims were to summarise intervention protocols, types and functions of BWSTT exoskeletal robotic devices currently used clinically. METHOD AND RESULTS: Articles were accessed and collected from PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science databases, which were completed in October 2020. Articles were included if the subjects were adults with stroke in the chronic phase (onset ≥ 6 months) and if they utilised a robotic exoskeleton with treadmill and body weight support and investigated the efficacy of gait exercise. A total of 721 studies were identified, of which 11 randomised controlled trials were selected. All included studies were published from 2008 to 2020. Overall, 309 subjects were enrolled; of these, 241 (156 males, 85 females) participated. Walking outcome measures were used more often to evaluate the functional aspects of gait than to evaluate gait independence. In 10 of 11 studies, showed the effectiveness of exoskeleton robot-assisted BWSTT in terms of outcomes contributing to improved gait function. Two studies reported that exoskeleton-assisted BWSTT with combination therapy was significantly more effective in improving than exoskeleton-assisted BWSTT alone. However, no significant difference was identified between the groups; compared with therapist-assisted BWSTT groups, exoskeleton-assisted BWSTT groups did not exhibit significant change. CONCLUSION: This review suggests that exoskeleton-assisted BWSTT for patients with chronic stroke may be effective in improving walking function. However, the potential may be "to assist" and not because of using the robot. Further studies are required to verify its efficacy and strengthen evidence on intervention protocols.
• Experimental Evaluation of a Fall-Prevention Orthosis with Controllable Plantar Height by a Compact MR Brake for Patients with Walking Disability
  伊丹渉; 山本理恵子; 田邉寛記; 河端将司; 白石俊彦
  357, 360, Aug. 2022, [Peer-reviewed]
  Japanese, Research society, 32548037
• The effects of robot-assisted gait training combined with non-invasive brain stimulation on lower limb function in patients with stroke and spinal cord injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
  Wataru Kuwahara; Shun Sasaki; Rieko Yamamoto; Michiyuki Kawakami; Fuminari Kaneko
  Frontiers in human neuroscience, 16, 969036, 969036, Frontiers Media SA, 16 Aug. 2022, [Peer-reviewed], [International Magazine]
  English, Scientific journal, Objective:
  
  This study aimed to investigate the effect of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) therapy combined with non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on lower limb function in patients with stroke and spinal cord injury (SCI).
  
  Data sources
  
  PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science were searched.
  
  Study selection
  
  Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published as of 3 March 2021. RCTs evaluating RAGT combined with NIBS, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), for lower limb function (e.g., Fugl-Meyer assessment for patients with stroke) and activities (i.e., gait velocity) in patients with stroke and SCI were included.
  
  Data extraction
  
  Two reviewers independently screened the records, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias.
  
  Data synthesis
  
  A meta-analysis of five studies (104 participants) and risk of bias were conducted. Pooled estimates demonstrated that RAGT combined with NIBS significantly improved lower limb function [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.06–0.99] but not lower limb activities (SMD = −0.13; 95% CI = −0.63–0.38). Subgroup analyses also failed to find a greater improvement in lower limb function of RAGT with tDCS compared to sham stimulation. No significant differences between participant characteristics or types of NIBS were observed.
  
  Conclusion
  
  This meta-analysis demonstrated that RAGT therapy in combination with NIBS was effective in patients with stroke and SCI. However, a greater improvement in lower limb function and activities were not observed using RAGT with tDCS compared to sham stimulation.
• Effectiveness of an Intelligent Foot Orthosis in Lateral Fall Prevention
  Rieko Yamamoto; Sho Itami; Masashi Kawabata; Toshihiko Shiraishi
  The ASME Journal of Engineering and Science in Medical Diagnostics and Therapy, 5, 4, ASME International, 2022, [Peer-reviewed], [Lead author, Corresponding author]
  Scientific journal, Abstract
  
  The aim of this study was to validate the effectiveness of the newly developed Intelligent Foot Orthosis (IFO) at preventing lateral falls. The IFO is a wearable fall prevention system based on using a small magnetorheological brake to control the height of the lateral sole. Experiments were performed to compare the walking motions on a lateral slope under four conditions: without IFO, with IFO current-OFF, with IFO current-ON, and with IFO control-ON. The mediolateral center of gravity and center of pressure horizontal distance (ML COG-COP HD) was measured in three-dimensional motion analysis to represent the change in posture on the frontal plane. To observe the corresponding muscular activity, surface electromyography (EMG) was performed to obtain the mean and peak root mean square (RMS) for the tibia anterior (TA) and peroneus longus (PL) in the first half of the stance phase when the IFO applied control. In the results, ML COG-COP HD increased significantly under the "with IFO control-ON" compared to the "without IFO" and "with IFO current-ON" condition. The mean RMS of the TA was significantly decreased under the "with IFO current-ON" and "with IFO control-ON" conditions compared to the "without IFO" condition. These results demonstrate that the posture moved away from the lateral fall direction primarily due to IFO assistance rather than muscular activity, which would be a consequence of human postural control. Thus, the IFO does appear to help prevent lateral falls., 32548037;32548142
• Orthosis with a controllable plantar height for fall prevention using a compact magnetorheological fluid brake
  Kohei Morimura; Rieko Yamamoto; Toshihiko Shiraishi
  Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, 33, 7, 928, 941, SAGE Publications, 2022, [Peer-reviewed]
  English, Scientific journal, In this study, a compact magnetorheological (MR) fluid brake embedded in an orthosis was designed and fabricated to maintain plantar height for use in lateral fall prevention, and its performance and the fall prevention effect of the orthosis were evaluated. The results of the brake design and fabrication indicated that the MR fluid brake has the advantage of being compact, lightweight, and power-saving at 88.4 mm long, 128 g, using two AA batteries. Performance tests of the brake indicated that it was able to generate sufficient force (125 N) to maintain plantar height. Furthermore, through the assessments of lateral fall, the center of gravity and center of pressure inclination angle of a subject wearing the orthosis without the MR brake was determined to be 4.0°, as opposed to 4.4° with the MR fluid brake in the ON state. Therefore, the moment of force acting on the subject to prevent fall was larger, making them more stable when the MR fluid brake was in the ON state.
• Reading methods in Physiotherapy Research in English [Translated from Japanese.]
  Rieko Yamamoto
  Yodosha, 2020
• Control of plantar height by MR fluid brake for fall prevention with walking disabilities
  Kohei Morimura; Rieko Yamamoto; Toshihiko Shiraishi
  The proceedings of International Conference on Motion and Vibration Control (MoViC 2020), 2020, [Peer-reviewed]
  32548037
• A Study of a Fall Prevention System for Patients with Walking Disabilities
  Kohei Morimura, Rieko Yamamoto, Toshihiko Shiraishi
  The Proceedings of the Dynamics & Design Conference, 2020, 0, 423, 423, The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2020, [Peer-reviewed]
  Japanese,

  Falls in people with walking disabilities lead to being bedridden and an increase in long term care. The prevention of these incidents is thus a key factor in maintaining activity level and maximizing their Quality of Life (QOL). The sagittal plane motion has been widely studied, but there are few studies about frontal plane motion such as falls to the side. In this study, we focus on frontal plane motion and consider fall prevention by plantar height. Because falls may occur when the center of gravity, which is followed by the ground reaction force, is shifted from the base of support, giving plantar height can be applied to fall prevention. The purpose of this paper is to assess the effect of plantar height on fall prevention. We used two types of theoretical models, an inverted pendulum model and a self-righting doll model. First, the motion in the frontal plane of a developed leg foot model was observed. Then, its motion was compared with the simulation results. As a result, the simulation of the self-righting doll was close to the experimental model. Second, the relation between plantar height and radius of the foot was considered. As a result, the radius of the foot would be estimated at 0.77 m and 0.13 m under "without height conditions" and "with height conditions", respectively. From the viewpoint of the equation of motion of the self-righting doll, restoring torque resisting fall increased with decreasing the radius of the foot. From the above, this paper indicates that the self-righting doll model is valid as the leg foot model, and the plantar height affects fall prevention.

• Future of Physical Therapy in Japan, The Japanese Journal of Physical Therapy (53)10, 2019 [Translated from Japanese.]
  Fuminari Kaneko; Satoko Sakaki; Kazuhito Matsui; Rieko Yamamoto; Yasushi Uchiyama
  The Japanese Journal of Physical Therapy, 53, 10, 999, 1008, 医学書院, Oct. 2019, [Peer-reviewed], [Invited]
  Japanese
• A study of a plantar height-adjustable device using an MR brake for use in a real-time controllable gait orthosis
  Rieko Yamamoto; Toshihiko Shiraishi
  The proceedings of International Conference of Allied Health Sciences Symposium in Thailand 2019, 2019, [Peer-reviewed]
• A Study of an Orthosis with Controllable Plantar Height by MR Fluid Brake for Fall Prevention of Patients with Walking Disability
  Kohei Morimura; Rieko Yamamoto; Toshihiko Shiraishi
  The Proceedings of the Dynamics & Design Conference, 2019, 0, 454, 454, The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2019, [Peer-reviewed]
  Japanese, Scientific journal,

  Fall causes decline of ADL (Activities of Daily Living) by broken bone or fear of falling, which leads to being bedridden or the condition of need for long-term care. Thus, fall prevention is important. At the same time, active walking training is also important in terms of escalating the action of daily life and improving the QOL (Quality of Life). Some people with walking disabilities have a relatively mild symptom, who have a possibility of falling while they can walk without being supported. From the above, we have studied gait training tool to achieve both fall prevention and respect good motion. In this study, we focused on insole, which affects the motion of center of gravity by changing the direction of the ground reaction force. Basically, fall happens when a resultant force of gravity and inertial force projected on the floor is outside of a base of support. Hence, controllable plantar height can prevent falling. We used MR (Magnetorheological) fluid brake for controllable plantar height device. MR fluid consists of micron-sized carbonyl iron particle and carrier fluid, whose yield shear stress can be varied by applying magnetic field. By applying to brake, friction force is generated against external force. We conducted the vibration test to evaluate the force characteristics. This result confirmed that friction force became dominant by applying an electrical current. Second, we conducted the constant load test to determine how much force MR fluid brake supports. With the application of a current of 1.0 A, MR fluid brake maintains its height up to a force of 200 N. In view of the place where MR fluid brake is installed, this withstand force is enough to support weight.

  , 32548142
• Occupational Low Back Pain in Health and Care Professionals [Translated from Japanese.]
  Rieko Yamamoto
  Japan Physical Therapy Association Hokkaido, No.199, 199, 2016
• The study of development a height-adjustable gait exercise brace using MR fluid
  Rieko Yamamoto; Shin Morishita
  Master Thesis, 2009
  Master thesis
• The Development of a Passive Dynamic Walker and its walking mechanics [Translated from Japanese.]
  Rieko Yamamoto; Haruhiko Sato
  Journal of Department of Physical Therapy, Kitasato University, 9, 145, 148, 2006
  Scientific journal

• Future of Washing: Sustainable Laundry Part 8 – Past and Future
  Akira Sai; Rieko Yamamoto, Future Earth web, Jun. 2024
  Introduction commerce magazine
• Future of Washing: Sustainable Laundry Part 7 – Perspective on Household Wastewater
  Akira Sai; Rieko Yamamoto, Future Earth web, Aug. 2023
• 研究プロトコール発表 北海道の小学校6年生におけるエキノコックス症抗体保有率の調査
  岩田啓芳; 山口健史; 田村菜穂美; 山本理恵子; 東條真希; 伊藤真利子; 山崎圭子; 宮下ちひろ; 伊藤佐智子; KETEMA Rahel; 池田敦子; 村林宏; 伊藤善也; 野中成晃; 岸玲子, 北海道公衆衛生学雑誌, 37, 1, 2023
• 連載 私のターニングポイント･第24回 心の中にあった課題
  山本 理恵子, 理学療法ジャーナル, 56, 1, 96, 96, 15 Jan. 2022
  株式会社医学書院

• Physical Therapy Guidelines, Second Edition
  Japanese Physical Therapy Association; Guideline Subcommittee, Physical Therapy Standardization Committee, Japanese Society of Physical Therapy
  医学書院, Oct. 2021, 9784260046978, xvi, 632p, Japanese
• Reading methods of Research in Rehabilitation medicine
  Rieko Yamamoto_Syuhei Fujimoto et al., 3.3.2 Nervous System, 3.3.5 Circulatory and Respiratory Systems
  Yodosha Company, Ltd., Apr. 2020, 9784758102476, 206p, Japanese, [Joint work]

• Personal RF-EMF Measurements in Adolescents in Japan: Levels and Frequency-Band Composition Across Microenvironments
  Rieko Yamamoto; Naomi Tamura; Yu Ait Bamai; Ammara Ajmal; Mariko Itoh; Keitaro Makino; Koji Kunita; Atsuko Ikeda; Hiroyoshi Iwata; Sachiko Itoh; Takeshi Yamaguchi; Takashi Hikage; Toshihiko Nishimura; Tatsuya Kashiwa; Reiko Kishi
  BioEM 2026, 24 Jun. 2026, Oral presentation
  21 Jun. 2026 - 26 Jun. 2026
• Association between Problematic Behaviours and Personal Environmental Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF) Level among Japanese Children.
  Naomi Tamura; Rieko Yamamoto; Ammara Ajmal; Yu Ait Bamai; Mariko Itoh; Keitaro Makino; Riku Kawahashi; Kensuke Oba; Hiroyoshi Iwata; Sachiko Itoh; Takeshi Yamaguchi; Atsuko Ikeda; Takashi Hikage; Toshihiko Nishimura; Tatsuya Kashiwa; Reiko Kishi
  BioEM 2026, 21 Jun. 2026
  21 Jun. 2026 - 26 Jun. 2026
• Korea-Taiwan-Japan Physical Therapy Network: -A Dialogue for the Future - Survey Results from an International Exchange Program
  Akira Mitamura; Reiko Suzuki; Yuma Nagai; Toshiyuki Miyamoto; Shunya Inoue; Yuko Ishida; Rieko Yamamoto; Kentaro Nagata; Yumi Sumi; Tomonori Ito; Li-Chiou Chen; Yu-Jung Cheng; Haneul Lee
  The 17th Asian Confederation for Physical Therapy Congress (ACPT2026), 12 Apr. 2026, Oral presentation
  11 Apr. 2026 - 12 Apr. 2026
• Preliminary study toward real-world validation of a newly developed lateral-support gait-assistive device: lab-based biomechanical measures and wearable IMU outcomes
  Rieko Yamamoto; Naoya Sugimoto; Masashi Kawabata; Sho Itami; Suzuna Miyamoto; Kohei Morimura; Toshihiko Shiraishi
  The 17th Asian Confederation for Physical Therapy Congress (ACPT2026), 11 Apr. 2026, Poster presentation
  11 Apr. 2026 - 12 Apr. 2026, Swon, Korea, 250_P, 49612740, [International presentation]
• Environmental radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) levels in adolescents in Hokkaido
  山本 理恵子; 田村菜穂美; アイツバマイゆふ; Ammara Ajmal; 伊藤真利子; 牧野圭太郎; 國田耕司; 池田敦子; 岩田啓芳; 伊藤佐智子; 山口健史; 日景隆; 西村寿彦; 柏達也; 岸玲子
  第96回日本衛生学会, 21 Mar. 2026, Oral presentation
  19 Mar. 2026 - 22 Mar. 2026
• A Systematic Review of Alveolar Echinococcosis in Japan in Recent Years
  Hiroyoshi Iwata; Atsuko Ikeda; Mariko Itoh; Rahel Mesfin Ketema; Naomi Tamura; Takeshi Yamaguchi; Keiko Yamazaki; Rieko Yamamoto; Maki Tojo; Yu Ait Bamai; Yasuaki Saijo; Yoshiya Ito; Reiko Kishi; he Japan Environmen; Children’s Study; JECS) Group
  第96回日本衛生学会2026, 20 Mar. 2026, Poster presentation
  19 Mar. 2026 - 21 Mar. 2026
• Maternal metal and trace element exposure during pregnancy and childhood Streptococcus infection in the Japan Environment and Children's Study
  Hiroyoshi Iwata; Atsuko Ikeda; Mariko Itoh; Rahel Mesfin Ketema; Naomi Tamura; Takeshi Yamaguchi; Keiko Yamazaki; Rieko Yamamoto; Maki Tojo; Yu Ait Bamai; Yasuaki Saijo; Yoshiya Ito; Reiko Kishi; he Japan Environmen; Children’s Study; JECS) Group
  The 96th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Hygiene 2026, 20 Mar. 2026
  19 Mar. 2026 - 21 Mar. 2026
• The Relationship between Screen Time and Sleep Problems in Adolescents
  Riku Kawahashi; Naomi Tamura; Yu Ait Bamai; Mariko Ito; Rieko Yamamoto; Yi Zeng; Ayaka Yasuda; Ammara Ajmal; Keiko Yamazaki; Reiko Kishi; Atsuko Ikeda
  The 7th FHS International Conference, 04 Oct. 2025
• 青少年における学校区分別スクリーンタイムと睡眠の問題の横断的関連－北海道スタディ－
  川橋 陸; 田村 菜穂美; アイツバマイ ゆふ; 伊藤 真利子; 山本 理恵子; 安田 彩夏; Ammara Ajmal; 山﨑 圭子; 岸 玲子; 池田 敦子
  第90回日本健康学会, Oct. 2025, Oral presentation
• The Immediate Effects of a Semi-Assistive Fall Controllable Device on Lateral Stability and Ankle Muscle Activity: A Proof-of-Concept Study
  Rieko YAMAMOTO; Sho ITAMI; Masashi KAWABATA; Suzuna MIYAMOTO; Kohei MORIMURA; Toshihiko SHIRAISHI
  World Physiotherapy Congress 2025, 30 May 2025, English, Poster presentation
  29 May 2025 - 31 May 2025, Printed poster presentation (PO-202), 30th May 25, 13:30 - 14:30
  Poster board display number: G6-202-146
• Impact of flooring materials and pediatric asthma in the Japan Environment and Children's Study
  Hiroyoshi Iwata; Atsuko Ikeda; Mariko Itoh; Sachiko Itoh; Rahel Mesfin Ketema; Naomi Tamura; Chihiro Miyashita; Takeshi Yamaguchi; Keiko Yamazaki; Rieko Yamamoto; Maki Tojo; Yasuaki Saijo; Yoshiya Ito; Reiko Kishi; he Japan Environmen; Children’s Study; JECS) Group
  The 3rd International Society for Sanitation Studies Annual Conference (ISSS AC2024), 24 Nov. 2024
• 北海道の小学校６年生におけるエキノコックス症抗体保有率の調査
  岩田啓芳; 山口健史; 田村菜穂美; 山本理恵子; 東條真希; 伊藤真利子; 山﨑圭子; 宮下ちひろ; 伊藤佐智子; RAHEL KETEMA; 池田敦子
  北海道公衆衛生学会, 25 Nov. 2023
• 「環境化学物質と健康障害の予防」に関する世界保健機関研究協力センター（WHO Collaborating Centre）の紹介
  Atsuko Ikeda; Rahel Mesfin Ketema; Keiko Yamazaki; Naomi Tamura; Rieko Yamamoto; Rieko Kishi
  北海道公衆衛生学会, 25 Nov. 2023
• Experimental Evaluation of an Intelligent Foot Orthosis for Fall Prevention Using a Compact Magnetorheological Fluid Brake
  Sho Itami; Rieko Yamamo; Masashi Kawabata; Toshihiko Shiraishi
  The 7th Japan-Korea Joint Symposium on Dynamics & Control, Aug. 2023
• Automation of Surface Electromyography Data Analysis using Python: A Case Study on Muscle Activity during Gait
  Rieko Yamamoto; Toshihiko Shiraishi; Sho Itami; Masashi Kawabata; Hiroyoshi Iwata; Taro Yamauchi
  日本生理人類学会第84回, 17 Jun. 2023
  16 Jun. 2023 - 18 Jun. 2023
• Integrating Innovative Technology and Physiotherapy
  Rieko Yamamoto
  International Society of Exercise Science 2023, 20 May 2023, English, Public discourse
  32548037
• Low resource settingにおける活用を目指した ウェアラブルな歩行支援装置デザインの提案
  Rieko Yamamoto; Sho Itami; Kohei Morimura; Masashi Kawabata; Taro Yamauchi; Toshihiko Shiraishi
  第28 回 奈良・横浜・京都 バイオメカニクスカンファレンス, 28 Jan. 2023, Oral presentation
  28 Jan. 2023
• 歩行障碍者の転倒防止を目的としたウェアラブルな歩行支援装置の実験的評価
  Sho Itami; Rieko Yammoto; Kohei Morimura; Masashi Kawabata; Toshihiko Shiraishi
  第28 回 奈良・横浜・京都 バイオメカニクスカンファレンス, 28 Jan. 2023
• Development and Evaluation of Assistive Technology for Walking towards the SDGs "Safe and Secure Living Environments".
  Rieko Yamamoto
  CEHS Seminar, 07 Nov. 2022
• Experimental Evaluation of a Fall-Prevention Orthosis with Controllable Plantar Height by a Compact MR Brake for Patients with Walking Disability
  伊丹渉; 山本理恵子; 田邉寛記; 河端将司; 白石俊彦
  LIFE2022, 21 Aug. 2022, Oral presentation
  19 Aug. 2022 - 21 Aug. 2022, 32548037
• Application of Advanced Technology to Gait Rehabilitation -bridging development, research and clinical practice-,
  Rieko Yamamoto
  Word Physiotherapy Asia Western Pacific region webinar, 2022, English
  [Invited]
• A Feasibility Study of an Intelligent Fall Prevention System: A Sideways Fall Dynamic Model and the Effect of Lateral Insole
  Rieko Yamamoto; Kohei Morimura; Toshihiko Shiraishi
  World Physiotherapy Congress 2021, 2021
  32548037;32548142
• A Study of a Fall Prevention System for Patients with Walking Disabilities
  Kohei Morimura; Rieko Yamamoto; Toshihiko Shiraishi
  Dynamics and Design Conference 2020, 2020
• Control of plantar height by MR fluid brake for fall prevention with walking disabilities
  Kohei Morimura; Rieko Yamamoto; Toshihiko Shiraishi
  International Conference on Motion and Vibration Control (MoViC 2020), 2020
  32548037
• A Study of an Orthosis with Controllable Plantar Height by MR Fluid Brake for Fall Prevention of Patients with Walking Disability
  Kohei Morimura; Rieko Yamamoto; Toshihiko Shiraishi
  Dynamics and Design Conference 2019, 2019
• An Overview of Physiotherapists in the Health and Care System in the Community in Japan
  Rieko Yamamoto
  Community Based Rehabilitation Study Meeting 2019, 2019
• A study of a plantar height-adjustable device using an MR brake for use in a real-time controllable gait orthosis
  Rieko Yamamoto; Toshihiko Shiraishi
  International Conference of Allied Health Sciences Symposium, Thailand, 2019
  32548098
• Rehabilitation and Care in Care Homes in the UK
  Rieko Yamamoto
  Hokkaido Bioethics conference, 2015

• 日本衛生学会
• 日本生理人類学会
• The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers
• Japan Physical Therapy Association

• The association between multiple environmental exposures and ADHD symptoms
  Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research
  01 Apr. 2025 - 31 Mar. 2029
  山崎 圭子; 池田 敦子; 須山 聡; アイツバマイ ゆふ; 山本 理恵子
  Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C), Hokkaido University, 25K13557
• 成田国際空港周辺における航空機騒音による睡眠影響の解明
  科学研究費助成事業
  01 Apr. 2025 - 31 Mar. 2028
  田鎖 順太; 山本 理恵子
  日本学術振興会, 基盤研究(C), 北海道大学, 25K13580
• Reconstructing the Human-Environment Interface: Development of an Intelligent Fall Prevention Orthosis
  Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research
  01 Apr. 2025 - 31 Mar. 2027
  Rieko Yamamoto
  Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists, Hokkaido University, Principal investigator, 25K21618
• 人機協調型転倒防止装具の「やわらかい接地制御」と「先行環境検知・高応答機能」の開発
  研究助成(A)
  Apr. 2026 - Mar. 2027
  Rieko Yamamoto
  立石科学技術振興財団2026年度, Principal investigator
• Development of intelligent foot orthoses as an innovative walking support solution.
  Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research
  31 Aug. 2023 - 31 Mar. 2025
  山本 理恵子
  高齢者や歩行障がい者において側方転倒は大腿骨頸部骨折など寝たきりの原因となる重大な傷病を引き起こす．近年様々な歩行支援機器があるが，重量や大きさ，操作の複雑さ等により地域，臨床での持続的活用が難しい．また従来の歩行補助具は，過度な関節固定化や依存性を高め，身体機能改善を阻害する場合がある．申請者は，足底の高さ調節による歩行制御手法に着目し，小型・省電力でウェアラブルな転倒防止システムを含む靴型装具を開発した．本研究では，個人の歩行特性に合わせ制御パラメータを自動調整するインテリジェント調整機能を開発し，本装具へ実装することで，実用化に向けた検討を行うことを目的とする．
  当該年度は，装具各パーツの位置・配線等について再検討し，人の歩行時の着用に耐えうる装具耐久性向上と重量感の低減を図った．さらに，装具へ実装する個人の歩行時側方安定性の特性を評価するために個人特性の同定に向けた検討および健常者検証データの予備解析・評価を行った．現在は，足底圧データを取得する圧センサの装具への実装，キャリブレーションに適当な運動課題の選定及び足圧データを用いたデータ取得項目の検討をすすめている．また側方傾斜面10°の健常者歩行（n=17名）で算出された転倒防止効果指標として用いる側方COG-COP傾斜角度を参考とし，足底圧データ項目等の指標間の関連性について統計的に解析し，個人特性の制御プログラム実装へ向けた検討をすすめている．
  Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up, Hokkaido University, Principal investigator, 23K19207
• ウェアラブルな転倒防止装具の開発と評価に関する研究 ―身体運動・人体構造を考慮した装具全体の軽量化―
  横浜国立大学 共同研究プログラム課題C
  2023 - 2024
  Rieko Yamamoto
  Principal investigator
• Development of Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) protocols to objectively measure muscle mechanical properties and compare the efficacy of fundamental differences in Physiotherapy treatment protocols in Japan and the UK
  Daiwa Foundation Grant
  2021 - 2022
  Rieko Yamamoto; Neil Roberts; Toshihiko Shiraishi
  Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation (London, UK), Principal investigator
• A study of a planter-height controllable intelligent foot orthosis using a small MR brake
  Joint Research Programme TypeC
  2020 - 2021
  Rieko Yamamoto
  Yokohama National University, Principal investigator
• A study of the development on a controllable gait assistive device using MR fluid.
  Diversity Research Grant" under MEXT Funds for the Development of Human Resources in Science and Technology, "Initiative for Realizing Diversity in the Research Environment (Collaboration Type) 2019
  2019 - 2020
  Rieko Yamamoto
  文部科学省科学技術人材育成費補助事業, Principal investigator
• A study of a plantar height-adjustable device using an MR brake for use in a real-time controllable gait orthosis
  International Academic Exchange and Promotion Projects 2019
  2019
  Rieko Yamamoto
  Yokohama National University, Principal investigator