Ankle Joint Torque Prediction Using an NMS Solver Informed-ANN Model and Transfer Learning

IEEE J Biomed Health Inform. 2022 Dec;26(12):5895-5906. doi: 10.1109/JBHI.2022.3207313. Epub 2022 Dec 7.

Abstract

In this work, we predicted ankle joint torque by combining a neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) solver-informed artificial neural network (hybrid-ANN) model with transfer learning based on joint angle and muscle electromyography signals. The hybrid-ANN is an ANN augmented with two kinds of features: 1) experimental measurements - muscle signals and joint angles, and 2) informative physical features extracted from the underlying NMS solver, such as individual muscle force and joint torque. The hybrid-ANN model accuracy in torque prediction was studied in both intra- and inter-subject tests, and compared to the baseline models (NMS and standard-ANN). For each prediction model, seven different cases were studied using data from gait at different speeds and from isokinetic ankle dorsi/plantarflexion motion. Additionally, we integrated a transfer learning method in inter-subject models to improve joint torque prediction accuracy by transferring the learned knowledge from previous participants to a new participant, which could be useful when training data is limited. Our results indicated that better accuracy could be obtained by integrating informative NMS features into a standard ANN model, especially in inter-subject cases; overall, the hybrid-ANN model predicted joint torque with higher accuracy than the baseline models, most notably in inter-subject prediction after adopting the transfer learning technique. We demonstrated the potential of combining physics-based NMS and standard-ANN models with a transfer learning technique in different prediction scenarios. This procedure holds great promise in applications such as assistance-as-needed exoskeleton control strategy design by incorporating the physiological joint torque of the users.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ankle Joint* / physiology
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Electromyography
  • Humans
  • Machine Learning
  • Muscle, Skeletal* / physiology
  • Torque