Lecturer Akira ITO
We aim to establish “Regenerative Rehabilitation,” integrating physical therapy with regenerative medicine, under the concept of “Physical stimulation is Medicine.” Our research explores the mechanisms by which physical modalities and exercise therapy promote tissue regeneration in the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. We are also taking on the challenge of developing artificial three-dimensional tissues using bio 3D printing technologies. Through interdisciplinary and international collaborations, we pursue innovative research that bridges fundamental science with clinical applications.
Research and Education
To gain novel insights that are difficult to obtain in human studies, we conduct basic and applied research using cell cultures and experimental animals—an approach still rare in the field of physical therapy.
Our work focuses on clarifying the mechanisms of physical therapy and developing innovative interventions. In particular, we promote Regenerative Rehabilitation research to safely and effectively deliver rapidly advancing regenerative medicine technologies to patients. By applying physical stimulation and environmental modulation to transplanted cells and host tissues, we aim to maximize tissue regeneration and functional recovery.
Regenerative Rehabilitation requires not only rehabilitation science but also biological and engineering expertise. Therefore, we welcome diverse members beyond those with a rehabilitation background to advance this interdisciplinary research. Even those unfamiliar with rehabilitation or basic research receive guidance from the fundamentals. We also collaborate with Kyoto University Hospital, the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, partner companies, and overseas universities, driving translational studies while fostering researchers capable of pursuing interdisciplinary science with a broad perspective.
Regenerative Rehabilitation
Creating Rehabilitation through Physical Stimulation / Development of Three-Dimensional Biological Tissues Using a Bio 3D Printer
Recent Publications
- Nakahara R, Ito A, Nagai-Tanima M, Tai C, Zhao Z, Xu S, Miyamoto F, Abiko S, Aoyama T, Kuroki H. Effect of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Post-Traumatic Intra-Articular Knee Adhesions in Rats. Ultrasound Med Biol. 2025 Jul;51(7):1102-1111.
- Tai C, Ito A, Zhao Z, Kuroki H, Aoyama T. Attenuating Cartilage Degeneration in a Low Mechanical Compression Rat Model Through Intra-Articular Injections of Allogeneic Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Cartilage. 2024; Nov 29:19476035241301291.
- Nakahara R, Ito A, Nagai-Tanima M, Tai C, Zhao Z, Xu S, Miyamoto F, Abiko S, Aoyama T, Kuroki H. Effects of Different Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Intensities and Durations on a Post-Traumatic Knee Joint Contracture Model in Rats. Ultrasound Med Biol. 2025 Feb;51(2):396-401.
- Nakahata A, Ito A, Nakahara R, Kuroki H. Meniscus Injury Induces Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis Development Mediated by Synovitis and Gait Kinematics: A Preclinical Study. Cartilage. 2024; Nov 20:19476035241299769.
- Xu S, Ito A, Zhao Z, Nakahara R, Tai C, Miyamoto F, Kuroki H, Aoyama T. Repetitive magnetic stimulation prevents dorsal root ganglion neuron death and enhances nerve regeneration in a sciatic nerve injury rat model. Sci Rep. 2024 Aug 16;14(1):19016.
Laboratory
Akira ITO
e-mail: ito.akira.4m@kyoto-u.ac.jp
URL: https://ito-lab.hs.med.kyoto-u.ac.jp/