
 
The TDNN optimised and trained with the responses 
to band-limited GWN predicts the responses 
accurately for unseen band-limited GWN and 
sinusoidal inputs, significantly better than the AR 
model in the case of GWN stimuli. Furthermore, the 
TDNN trained with the average response is also able 
to predict responses in different individuals, 
although with limited accuracy. The accuracy of the 
average response TDNN model was not statistically 
different to that of the individual models, which 
suggests that, in this case, the average response is a 
good representation of the system. Furthermore, the 
NMSE values are similar to those obtained with 
Wiener methods in locusts electrophysiological 
responses of tibial motor neurons (Dewhirst, 
Simpson et al. 2009), which suggests that ANNs 
could be a good approach to model nervous systems. 
The errors in the predictions are related to the 
levels of measurement noise, background 
spontaneous activity and individual differences in 
the responses (Schneidman, Brenner et al. 2000, 
Faisal, Selen et al. 2008, Marder and Taylor 2011). 
There is, however, an underlying response common 
to all individuals that the TDNN is able to model 
and predict accurately, but the noise and the inherent 
response from each animal cannot be predicted with 
a generic model.  
Therefore, the TDNN model of the average 
reflex response exceeds the performance of the AR 
model and is a good candidate model to be 
considered towards the understanding of nervous 
systems and motor control. It could also be used in 
the design of treatment for neuromuscular injuries, 
such as drop foot. Similar reflexes could also be 
applied in the design of active prosthesis or 
autonomous robots. 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 
Alicia Costalago Meruelo was supported by a 
studentship from The Institute for Complex Systems 
Simulation (ICSS), funded by the Engineering and 
Physical Sciences Research Council (UK) and the 
University of Southampton.  
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