Biomechanical & Physiological Monitoring of Amputees Using Neural Network Processing

In this program Infoscitex will develop a wearable electrotextile system that collects data from a suite of physiological and biomechanical sensors, pre-processes the signal and wirelessly transmits the data for further analysis and interpretation by a Neural Network (NN). This system will incorporate accelerometers, strategically located electromyography (EMG) sensors, and pressure pads in the soles of the feet. The use of a neural network to process the sensor data will allow information to be extracted that is not available to conventional regressive models. This will include information on biomechanical efficiency, gait disturbances, and energy expenditure (EE) due to static and dynamic exertion. While systems are currently available that provide some of this information none provide the complete picture, particularly when it comes to monitoring complex tasks. These systems are instead limited to monitoring simple lower body activities such as walking, running, or cycling. The proposed system will allow for the monitoring of these activities as well as more complex tasks such as those involving both the upper and lower body, static loads, and various sources of gait disturbance such as prosthetic devices. These revolutionary capabilities will allow medical personnel to monitor soldier amputees in the field during the performance of activities such as those covered in the Soldier's Manual of Common Tasks (SMCT) that are critical to their remaining on active duty.