Modeling foot sole cutaneous afferents: FootSim

While walking and maintaining balance, humans rely on cutaneous feedback from the foot sole. Electrophysiological recordings reveal how this tactile feedback is represented in neural afferent populations, but obtaining them is difficult and limited to stationary conditions. We developed the FootSim model, a realistic replication of mechanoreceptor activation in the lower limb. The model simulates neural spiking responses to arbitrary mechanical stimuli from the combined population of all four types of mechanoreceptors innervating the foot sole. It con-siders specific mechanics of the foot sole skin tissue, and model internal parame-ters are fitted using human microneurography recording dataset. FootSim can be exploited for neuroscientific insights, to understand the overall afferent activa-tion in dynamic conditions, and for overcoming the limitation of currently avail-able recording techniques. Furthermore, neuroengineers can use the model as a robust in silico tool for neuroprosthetic applications and for designing biomi-metic stimulation patterns starting from the simulated afferent neural responses.

Automated summary

The FootSim model replicates mechanoreceptor activation in the lower limb and provides insights into neural spiking responses in dynamic conditions. It is valuable for neuroscientific research and overcomes the limitations of current recording techniques. Additionally, neuroengineers can use the model for neuroprosthetic applications and designing biomimetic stimulation patterns.