Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Engineering, FSh.C., Islamic Azad University, Fouman, Iran
Abstract: (13 Views)
Introduction: Flatfoot and other structural deformities of the foot are major causes of musculoskeletal disorders that can significantly impair quality of life. Early detection of these abnormalities is crucial for preventing the progression of complications and selecting appropriate treatment strategies. In recent years, the application of deep learning methods in biomechanics and medical informatics has gained significant momentum, providing powerful tools for the automated and accurate analysis of medical imaging data. This study aims to develop a novel deep learning-based model for detecting foot abnormalities, addressing structural, angular, and plantar pressure aspects simultaneously.
Method: Foot images from both healthy subjects and individuals with abnormalities were collected and preprocessed. Initially, the arch region of the foot was segmented using advanced segmentation techniques. The segmented images were then passed to an enhanced YOLO architecture integrated with the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM), enabling the network to focus more effectively on critical regions. Additionally, angular measurements of the foot were extracted and combined with plantar pressure distribution data to achieve a more comprehensive assessment of foot abnormalities.
Results: Experimental evaluations demonstrated that the proposed model achieved an accuracy of 95.14% in detecting foot abnormalities. Comparative analyses with other state-of-the-art methods revealed that the developed approach outperformed competing techniques, not only in classification accuracy but also in computational efficiency and its ability to focus on clinically relevant regions of the foot. The integration of angular and pressure-related features with segmented image data significantly enhanced the system's robustness and precision in identifying various types of abnormalities.
Conclusion: The proposed model, with its relatively simple yet effective architecture, provides a reliable solution for the accurate identification of foot abnormalities. This approach can be applied in medical screening, orthopedic insole design, and patient monitoring during rehabilitation. Furthermore, given its computational efficiency and ease of deployment, the model can be integrated into clinical environments and rehabilitation centers. Overall, this research contributes to the advancement of intelligent systems in digital health and predictive medicine.
Type of Study:
Original Article |
Subject:
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Received: 2025/05/7 | Accepted: 2025/08/27