Predicting Interfacial Loads between the Prosthetic Socket and the Residual Limb for Below-Knee Amputees – A Case Study |
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Authors: | R Amali S Noroozi J Vinney P Sewell S Andrews |
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Affiliation: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, Bristol, UK; Disablement Services Centre, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK |
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Abstract: | Abstract: In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) was deployed as a tool to determine the internal loads between the residual limb and prosthetic socket for below-knee amputees. This was achieved by using simulated load data to validate the ANN and captured clinical load data to predict the internal loads at the residual limb–socket interface. Load/pressure was applied to 16 regions of the socket, using loading pads in conjunction with a load applicator, and surface strains were collected using 15 strain gauge rosettes. A super-position program was utilised to generate training and testing patterns from the original load/strain data collected. Using this data, a back-propagation ANN, developed at the University of the West of England, was trained. The input to the trained network was the surface strains and the output the internal loads/pressure. The system was validated and the mean square error (MSE) of the system was found to be 8.8% for 1000 training patterns and 8.9% for 50 testing patterns, which was deemed an acceptable error. Finally, the validated system was used to predict pressure-sensitive/-tolerant regions at the limb–socket interface with great success. |
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Keywords: | artificial intelligence below knee interfacial pressure network neural prosthetic socket assessment |
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