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Deep learning, a subfield of artificial intelligence that uses neural networks with multiple layers, is rapidly changing healthcare. Its ability to analyze large datasets and extract relevant information makes it a powerful tool for improving diagnosis, treatment, and disease management. The integration of DL with pressure mats—which are devices that use pressure sensors to continuously and non-invasively monitor the interaction between patients and the contact surface—is a promising application. These pressure platforms generate data that can be very useful for detecting postural anomalies. In this paper we will discuss the application of deep learning algorithms in the analysis of pressure data for the detection of postural asymmetries in 139 patients aged 3 to 20 years. We investigated several main tasks: patient classification, hemibody segmentation, recognition of specific body parts, and generation of automated clinical reports. For this purpose, convolutional neural networks in their classification and regression modalities, the object detection algorithm YOLOv8, and the open language model LLaMa3 were used. Our results demonstrated high accuracy in all tasks: classification achieved 100% accuracy; hemibody division obtained an MAE of approximately 7; and object detection had an average accuracy of 70%. These results demonstrate the potential of this approach for monitoring postural and motor disabilities. By enabling personalized patient care, our methodology contributes to improved clinical outcomes and healthcare delivery. To our best knowledge, this is the first study that combines pressure images with multiple deep learning algorithms for the detection and assessment of postural disorders and motor disabilities in this group of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep learning, a subfield of artificial intelligence that uses neural networks with multiple layers, is rapidly changing healthcare. Its ability to analyze large datasets and extract relevant information makes it a powerful tool for improving diagnosis, treatment, and disease management. The integration of DL with pressure mats—which are devices that use pressure sensors to continuously and non-invasively monitor the interaction between patients and the contact surface—is a promising application. These pressure platforms generate data that can be very useful for detecting postural anomalies. In this paper we will discuss the application of deep learning algorithms in the analysis of pressure data for the detection of postural asymmetries in 139 patients aged 3 to 20 years. We investigated several main tasks: patient classification, hemibody segmentation, recognition of specific body parts, and generation of automated clinical reports. For this purpose, convolutional neural networks in their classification and regression modalities, the object detection algorithm YOLOv8, and the open language model LLaMa3 were used. Our results demonstrated high accuracy in all tasks: classification achieved 100% accuracy; hemibody division obtained an MAE of approximately 7; and object detection had an average accuracy of 70%. These results demonstrate the potential of this approach for monitoring postural and motor disabilities. By enabling personalized patient care, our methodology contributes to improved clinical outcomes and healthcare delivery. To our best knowledge, this is the first study that combines pressure images with multiple deep learning algorithms for the detection and assessment of postural disorders and motor disabilities in this group of patients.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of locking plate fixation used for bridging of tibial segmental ostectomy and of cast immobilization on gait biomechanics in goats. We hypothesized that stable fixation of a segmental bone defect, using a locking plate construct, would result in minimal changes in biomechanical variables of gait in goats, but full-limb immobilization would result in lasting alterations in the immobilized limb’s gait kinetics. A pressure-sensing walkway was used to measure biomechanical characteristics for stride, gait, and walking vertical force. Thirteen, non-lame adult Boer-cross goats were trained to walk over a pressure-sensing walkway prior to instrumentation. Segmental ostectomy was performed on the right hind tibia of each goat and the defect was stabilized using bridging plate fixation with a locking compression plate. Per the protocol of an ongoing orthopedic study, the same goats underwent right hindlimb cast immobilization between one and four months postoperatively. Data was collected preoperatively and then over twelve months postoperatively in goats with unrestricted mobility. Statistical analysis revealed no significant alterations in hindlimb kinematics or maximum force when comparing the period after surgery with that after cast immobilization; significant decreases in forelimb stride length and velocity were noted postoperatively but normalized prior to cast placement, suggesting the overall functional stability of fixation. Cast immobilization had a profound and sustained effect on gait with significant alterations in both forelimb kinetics and hindlimb kinetics and kinematics for the remainder of the trial period; increased hindlimb asymmetry characterized by greater weight distribution and impulse to the left hindlimb was observed, suggesting the potential for long-term and/or permanent detrimental effects of prolonged limb immobilization.

Background: Foot problems related to diabetes are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and are costly to the health service. Studies suggest that increased plantar pressure is a risk factor for ulceration in susceptible individuals. This feasibility study explored the use of a pressure sensing mat in a clinic setting to identify any patterns that could indicate early risk of foot disease in a diabetes cohort with designated low foot risk. Methods: Static and dynamic pressure measurements were obtained from 54 individuals (27 with, and 27 without diabetes) using a footscan® pressure sensing mat (Gait and Motion Technology Ltd.). Bare foot mid-stride dynamic foot pressure measurements were obtained. Maximum pressure was recorded for 10 anatomical regions of the foot. Results: Left medial heel, left lateral heel and right medial heel measurements in the diabetes group during walking were significantly lower than those in the control group (left medial heel: median 23.2, vs 28.8, P<0.006; left lateral heel: median 21.4, vs 25.1, P<0.021; right medial heel: median 22.8, vs 28.7), s< 0.017. This related to lower pressures in females compared to females without diabetes at these sites. Conclusions: A pressure sensing mat is a portable, simple and time-efficient method to obtain plantar pressure measurements in a clinic setting. The reasons for lower heel pressure values in the diabetes population are unclear although pressure measurements remained in the acceptable range across all areas assessed. More research is required into whether longitudinal plantar pressure measurements could be utilised in routine foot screening in predicting and preventing foot ulceration in diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rise in single-person households has resulted in social problems like loneliness and isolation, commonly known as "death by loneliness." Various factors contribute to this increase, including a desire for independent living and communication challenges within families due to societal changes. Older individuals living alone are particularly susceptible to loneliness and isolation due to limited family communication and a lack of social activities. Addressing these issues is crucial, and proactive solutions are needed. It is important to explore diverse measures to tackle the challenges of single-person households and prevent deaths due to loneliness in our society. Objective: Non–face-to-face health care service systems have gained widespread interest owing to the rapid development of smart home technology. Particularly, a health monitoring system must be developed to manage patients' health status and send alerts for dangerous situations based on their activity. Therefore, in this study, we present a novel health monitoring system based on the auto-mapping method, which uses real-time position sensing mats. Methods: The smart floor mats are operated as piezo-resistive devices, which are composed of a carbon nanotube–based conductive textile, electrodes, main processor circuit, and a mat. The developed smart floor system acquires real-time position information using a multiconnection method between the modules based on the auto-mapping algorithm, which automatically creates a spatial map. The auto-mapping algorithm allows the user to freely set various activity areas through floor mapping. Then, the monitoring system was evaluated in a room with an area of 41.3 m2, which is embedded with the manufactured floor mats and monitoring application. Results: This monitoring system automatically acquires information on the total number, location, and direction of the mats and creates a spatial map. The position sensing mats can be easily configured with a simple structure by using a carbon nanotube–based piezo-resistive textile. The mats detect the activity in real time and record location information since they are connected through auto-mapping technology. Conclusions: This system allows for the analysis of patients' behavior patterns and the management of health care on the web by providing important basic information for activity patterns in the monitoring system. The proposed smart floor system can serve as the foundation for smart home applications in the future, which include health care, intelligent automation, and home security, owing to its advantages of low cost, large area, and high reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of locking plate fixation used for bridging of tibial segmental ostectomy and of cast immobilization on gait biomechanics in goats. We hypothesized that stable fixation of a segmental bone defect, using a locking plate construct, would result in minimal changes in biomechanical variables of gait in goats, but full-limb immobilization would result in lasting alterations in the immobilized limb's gait kinetics. A pressure-sensing walkway was used to measure biomechanical characteristics for stride, gait, and walking vertical force. Thirteen, non-lame adult Boer-cross goats were trained to walk over a pressure-sensing walkway prior to instrumentation. Segmental ostectomy was performed on the right hind tibia of each goat and the defect was stabilized using bridging plate fixation with a locking compression plate. Per the protocol of an ongoing orthopedic study, the same goats underwent right hindlimb cast immobilization between one and four months postoperatively. Data was collected preoperatively and then over twelve months postoperatively in goats with unrestricted mobility. Statistical analysis revealed no significant alterations in hindlimb kinematics or maximum force when comparing the period after surgery with that after cast immobilization; significant decreases in forelimb stride length and velocity were noted postoperatively but normalized prior to cast placement, suggesting the overall functional stability of fixation. Cast immobilization had a profound and sustained effect on gait with significant alterations in both forelimb kinetics and hindlimb kinetics and kinematics for the remainder of the trial period; increased hindlimb asymmetry characterized by greater weight distribution and impulse to the left hindlimb was observed, suggesting the potential for long-term and/or permanent detrimental effects of prolonged limb immobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes and neuropathy have been linked to postural instability. Aims: The purpose of this study is to determine how each system involved in balance is affected when challenged in a static standing posture. The goal was to identify postural instability by measuring balance through the amount of sway and weight bearing distribution in nonneuropathic controlled type II diabetics. Methods: Twelve participants (five males and seven females) with controlled type II diabetes mellitus and no history of peripheral neuropathy (Non-PN cDMII) formed the diabetic group, whereas eighteen participants (7 males and 11 females) without type II diabetes formed the control group. The exclusion criteria was applied via a series of screening tests (Berg Balance Scale, Five Times Sit To Stand Test, Functional Reach Test and Monofilament Test). Postural stability and weight distribution during quiet standing were measured using a Tekscan Matscan pressure mat, which measured the amount of sway and weight distribution. Static postural control was evaluated during eight sensory conditions that perturbed or stimulated the visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular systems. Results: Postural control was found to be significantly deficient when the vestibular system was stimulated, whereas the proprioceptive system was perturbed. After the data analysis, there was a significant difference in anteroposterior sway (p = .05) with the following tasks: eyes open with head movements on an unstable surface, and eyes closed with head movements on a firm surface. Conclusions: The results revealed that the experimental group with type II diabetes had greater postural instability when compared to the control group during tasks with the vestibular system on an unstable surface. This demonstrates that, due to their deficits, individuals with non-PN cDMII are unable to maintain their balance when the vestibular and proprioceptive systems are challenged simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pressure mapping systems are often used for indirect assessment of kinematic gait parameter differences after repair of critical peripheral nerve defects in small animal models. However, there does not appear to be any literature that studies the differences in normal gait pattern of Sprague Dawley rats compared to Lewis rats using a Tekscan VH4 pressure mat system. The purpose of this study is to assess the gait profile of Lewis and Sprague Dawley rats generated by Tekscan's VH4 system to detect similarities and/or differences in gait parameters involving both force and temporal variables.Materials and Methods: The gait profile of 14 Lewis and 14 Sprague Dawley rats was recorded using a Tekscan VH4 pressure map system with two successful walks per animal and gait parameter data was normalized for mean variance between the two rodent strains.Results: The results showed that temporal and normalized force parameters were not significantly different between the two types of rats. Maximum force, contact area, stride length, and adjusted pressure variables were significantly different between the two strains, likely attributed to the body size and weight differential between the strains. Variation in some of these parameters were considered due to differences in overall body size between the two strains, variations in gait kinematics between individual rodent subjects, and the limitations of the current experimental design.Conclusion: For future in vivo models, either Sprague Dawley or Lewis rat strains would be acceptable animal models when comparing base-line gait profiles using the Tekscan VH4 pressure map system when assessing critical defect repairs of peripheral nerves.

Clinicians have used the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) to quantify postural control for concussion management. However, the reliability of the human rated BESS has varied prompting the development of instrumented BESSs. A cross-sectional design was used to determine the level of agreement (LOA) between human rated and instrumented BESS scores. Sixty participants completed the BESS on video. An instrumented mat was used to quantify BESS errors while a live human rater simultaneously scored the BESS. A second human rated BESS performance via video. Bland-Altman LOA analyses evaluated agreement between scoring methods (Mat-Human, Mat-Video, Video-Live) for each stance. Mean biases between scores, for each stance, with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated. Agreement between scoring methods was not assessed for the Firm-Double-Limb stance because very few errors were recorded. Agreement between both human raters and the mat was poor based on mean bias estimates > ± 1 and/or wide 95%CIs for all stances including BESS-Total. Agreement between the human raters was better, having displayed consistently smaller mean bias estimates and tighter 95%CIs for all stances and BESS Total. As a result, human rated and instrumented BESS scores may not be comparable. One method should be used to measure BESS errors for consistency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To document temporospatial variables and gait symmetry measured by the GAITRite® system for normal, healthy dogs at the walk and trot with the leash side recorded.Study Design: Observational, prospective, cohort study.Sample Population: 66 healthy dogs of various common breeds with no evidence of lameness that were small (< 10 kg), medium (10- < 25 kg), large (25- < 40 kg), or giant (≥40 kg).Methods: Dogs walked and trotted at their preferred velocity on a pressure sensing walkway system. Video observation confirmed inclusion criteria were met for three valid trials at each gait for each dog. Coefficients of variance were used to summarize the data for analysis. Fore and hindlimb ratios were compared. Gait symmetry was assessed with the leash on the left and right side.Results: Coefficients of variation for gait parameters ranged from 20 to 28% for all except velocity and hind reach. There was no statistically significant difference in differences in fore and hindlimb ratios for stance %, GLS, TPI, or step:stride ratio, across weight categories or between walk and trot. Less than 8% of normal dogs had a GLS score < 90 (indicating lameness). Leash side did influence gait symmetry, since GLS, TPI, and step:stride all had statistically significant differences in means between leash side, irrelevant of the weight category or gait.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: This system allowed simple, reliable gait assessment and values reported may be considered normal reference ranges for temporospatial variables collected with this system within the weight ranges and gaits reported. Controlling leash side and patient size is recommended for therapeutic intervention studies.

A robust method of quantifying athlete movement and pressure distribution across the seating interface of wheelchair athletes is required for athlete monitoring, optimising athlete performance, and computational simulations. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a pressure mat is capable of measuring the distribution of pressure during wheelchair sport motion, and analyse the relationship between an athlete's pressure distribution and their movement at the seating interface. Pressure was measured at the seating interface (wheelchair racing, n = 6, wheelchair rugby, n = 2) under conditions of steady state (racing athletes only), acceleration from stationary (racing and rugby), and agility (rugby only). All athletes demonstrated large within-trial variation in average pressure, peak pressure, and contact area for the acceleration and agility (rugby only) trials, suggesting the change in requirements of the seating interface for wheelchair athletes across different motions. This research suggests the need for greater individualisation of athlete-wheelchair seating interfaces to promote performance, as well as the importance of including these seating interactions in biomechanical analyses of wheelchair propulsion. Regular monitoring of pressure distribution and sport specific demands will assist in wheelchair prescription and provide improved understanding of individual seat design requirements associated with specific athlete impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saddle–horse interaction is increasingly linked with back pain, performance, and welfare issues. Saddle fit and work quality influence alterations in back shape with exercise at thoracic vertebra 13 level (T13) with exercise. The objectives of experiments were to: determine a repeatable zone and stride point of peak pressure under saddles fitted to industry guidelines; compare peak pressure in this zone and limb kinematics in collected trot between horses own saddles (S) and a saddle designed to reduce pressure at T10–T13 (F); compare thoracolumbar width change after exercise between S and F and with F after 3 months use. Elite dressage (n = 13) horses/riders with no lameness/performance problem had pressure mat data acquired under S, fitted by four qualified saddle fitters, to determine zones of peak pressure. Pressure mat data at T10–T13, forelimb/hindlimb protraction, and carpal/tarsal flexion acquired using simultaneous high-speed motion capture, and difference in thoracolumbar dimensions (T8, T18 at 3, 15 cm) between before and after exercise was compared between S and F. Peak pressures were consistently detected axially around T10–T13 (sensors A4–A7, H4–H7). Peak pressures were significantly less with F than S for each cell and pooled (55%–68% difference. P = .01 to <.0001). Saddle F was associated with 13% greater forelimb and 22.7% hindlimb protraction, 3.5° greater carpal and 4.3° tarsal flexion ( P = .02 to .0001), and greater increase in thoracolumbar dimensions after exercise ( P = .01 to <.0001). Saddles fitted to published guidelines may still have a nonideal interface with horses. Reducing peak pressures around T10–T13 was associated with improved limb kinematics in trot and greater thoracolumbar expansion after exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to see the trends and material acting under influence of different loads and other anthropometric factors of subjects. Efforts were made to establish how much and to what extent body mass index (BMI) can serve as a variable in similar measurements and how reliable it is. The goal of the research is to establish the dependence of pressures on the human constitution and gender. The measurements were conducted on three different chair models (framed net, cold-casted PU foam and PU foam) and in a way that the ten subjects sat on a chair covered with the pressure mat. The results were analyzed in regard to the anthropometric characteristics of the subjects and the construction of the seat and they were compared with the results of the former subjective research conducted with the same seat constructions. The results of the subjective measurements show that the assessment according to the seat upholstery material as well as the answers to the question: Do you feel comfortable?, equal the results of the previous research. In the objective measurements, higher peak pressures occur with men in absolute amounts and the value of the highest pressurein sitting position grows with the increase of the body mass index. The peak pressures were lower with women than with men, but as the body mass index grew these pressures got lower.

BACKGROUND: In designing a car seat the ideal pressure distribution is important as it is the largest contact surface between the human and the car. Because of obstacles hindering a more general application of the ideal pressure distribution in seating design, multidimensional measuring techniques are necessary with extensive user tests. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to apply and integrate the knowledge about the ideal pressure distribution in the seat design process for a car manufacturer in an efficient way. METHODS: Ideal pressure distribution was combined with pressure measurement, in this case pressure mats. In order to integrate this theoretical knowledge of seating comfort in the seat development process for a car manufacturer a special user interface was defined and developed. RESULTS: The mapping of the measured pressure distribution in real-time and accurately scaled to actual seats during test setups directly lead to design implications for seat design even during the test situation. Detailed analysis of the subject's feedback was correlated with objective measurements of the subject's pressure distribution in real time. Therefore existing seating characteristics were taken into account as well. CONCLUSIONS: A user interface can incorporate theoretical and validated 'state of the art' models of comfort. Consequently, this information can reduce extensive testing and lead to more detailed results in a shorter time period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lameness in pigs decreases animal welfare and economic profit for the farmer. An important reason for impaired welfare in lame animals is pain due to lameness. No direct measurement of pain is possible in animals, and methods to indirectly detect and quantify the amount of pain an animal is experiencing are urgently needed. In this study, two methods to assess pain associated with lameness in pigs were evaluated to determine if they were sensitive enough to detect a lameness reduction as an effect of an experimental analgesic medication. Asymmetry associated with lameness was objectively quantified using pressure mat kinetic parameters: peak vertical force (PVF), load rate (LR), vertical impulse (VI) and peak vertical pressure (PVP). Locomotor activity was assessed in an open field test. A dose of 0.04 mg/kg buprenorphine, a strong analgesic, was used to treat 10 lame pigs, while eight other lame pigs, treated with physiological saline solution, served as controls. Buprenorphine decreased lameness-associated asymmetry for pressure mat LR ( P  = 0.002), VI ( P  = 0.003) and PVP ( P  = 0.001) and increased activity of the lame pigs in the open field ( P  = 0.023), while saline-treated animals did not show any changes in asymmetry and became less active in the open field ( P  <   0.001). It was concluded that measurement of gait asymmetry by pressure mat analysis and locomotor activity in an open field test are both sensitive enough to detect the analgesic effects of buprenorphine when used to treat moderate to severe clinical pain in a relatively small group of affected pigs. The methods used in this study may also provide promising additional tools for future research into early pain recognition and lameness treatment in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bits are frequently blamed for veterinary and performance problems, but there is minimal other research into bridle and horse interaction. Study objectives were to (1) determine sites of maximum pressure under a double bridle headpiece, and under a crank cavesson noseband in trot using a pressure mat; (2) design a headpiece and crank cavesson noseband combination that avoids maximal pressure locations during movement; and (3) compare maximum pressure and gait characteristics of horses wearing the designed bridle (bridle F) with their usual bridle (bridle S). In part 1, peak pressure locations were determined using calibrated pressure mats under the headpiece (n = 8 horses) and noseband (n = 10). In part 2, 12 elite horses and riders with no lameness or performance problem were ridden in bridle F and bridle S in a double blind crossover design. Pressure mat data was acquired from under the headpiece and noseband. High speed motion capture in trot was used to determine forelimb and hind limb protraction, and maximal carpal and tarsal flexion during flight. Under the headpiece, bridle S peak pressure was 106.7% (mean) greater than that of bridle F, and bridle S maximum force was 59.7% greater than that of bridle F. Under the noseband, bridle S peak pressure was 47.8% greater than that of bridle F, and bridle S maximum force was 41.2% greater than that of Bridle F. On gait evaluation, bridle F had 4.1%, 3.5%, and 4.2% greater carpal flexion, tarsal flexion, and forelimb protraction than those of bridle S. These findings suggest an association between reduced peak pressures and improved gait, which may indicate improved comfort for the horse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to measure forces and pressure profiles when riding with a conventional saddle compared to bareback riding. An electronic pressure mat was used to compare contact area, mean total force and pressure variables for one rider riding seven horses at sitting trot with a conventional saddle or bareback. The use of a saddle was associated with a larger contact area and higher mean total force compared with the bareback condition. Mass normalized mean total force for bareback riding was lower than expected based on the rider's body mass, suggesting that shear forces exerted by the rider's thighs were not being registered by the pressure mat. In spite of the lower total force, the bareback condition was associated with higher average pressure, higher maximal pressure and larger area with mean pressure >11 kPa. Focal pressure concentrations were present beneath the rider's ischial tuberosities in the area of the horse's epaxial muscles when riding bareback but not when using a saddle. It was concluded that bareback riding was associated with focal pressure concentrations that may increase the risk of pressure-induced injury to the horse's epaxial musculature. The findings also emphasized that researchers should remain cognizant of shear forces, which may not be registered by the pressure mat, but may contribute to the effects of riding on the horse's back. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Back pain is frequently recognized in racehorses, but saddle fit and design are rarely assessed. In sport horses, relationships between horse-saddle interaction, back pain, and altered kinematics are established, but few studies investigating horse-saddle interaction in racehorses exist. We hypothesized that reducing pressures under saddles at thoracic (T) vertebrae 10-13 in galloping racehorses is associated with improved limb and lumbosacral kinematics. The objectives of the study were to (1) determine pressure magnitude/distribution under 3 frequently used race-exercise saddles and a saddle designed to reduce peak pressures at T10-13 on racehorses at gallop and (2) compare limb and lumbosacral kinematics at gallop between 4 saddle types. Four Thoroughbred racehorses were galloped overground at standardized speed wearing half-tree, three-quarter–tree, full-tree race-exercise saddles (saddles H/Q/T), and a saddle designed to reduce paraspinal pressure at T10-13 (saddle F), in a cross-over design. Pressure distribution under saddles was recorded using a pressure-mat system and gait features using high-speed motion capture. Results were compared between saddle types within horses. Maximum peak pressures at T10-13 occurred at trailing forelimb vertical, but pressure distribution varied significantly between saddle types. Peak pressures, femur angle to vertical, and hip-flexion angle were significantly different between saddle types (P ≤.0001–.02). Saddle F had significantly lower peak pressures at T10-13, greater hip flexion, femur angle to vertical, and forelimb and hindlimb protraction than saddles H, Q, and T. These findings suggest the femur has greater protraction in saddles with lower pressures at T10-13, indicating the importance of race-exercise saddle design. Saddles with lower pressures at T10-13 could potentially allow increased range of spinal motion and altered muscle use, supporting improved hindlimb function. • Maximum peak pressures at T10-13 occur in gallop when trailing forelimb is vertical. • Pressure distribution under the saddle varied between race-exercise saddle types. • Saddle F had lower pressures at T10-13 than saddles H, Q, and T. • Saddle F had greater hip-flexion and femur angle to vertical than other saddles. • Saddle F had great forelimb and hindlimb protraction than other saddles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]