SupplementaryVideo_1.mp4

GNE myopathy is a progressive distal myopathy typically manifested in late teens to thirties. We described the effects of bilateral upper-extremity hybrid assistive limb (HAL) rehabilitation in patients with GNE myopathy. We described a case series of 6 patients with GNE myopathy. Among them, five patients underwent bilateral upper-extremity HAL rehabilitation during a two-week hospitalization. All patients showed elevated PaCO2 levels, with four exhibiting reduced expiratory muscle strength. Sleep apnea screening revealed elevated apnea-hypopnea indices in three cases and low minimum SpO₂ in four. HAL rehabilitation resulted in significant improvements in upper extremity strength scores, elbow flexion repetitions, and overall upper limb motor function. No significant changes in CK levels were observed. While further research is needed to assess long-term effects and underlying mechanisms, these findings suggest potential benefits of HAL rehabilitation for neuromuscular diseases with upper-limb weakness.