Abstract
Electromyography (EMG) is the resulting electrical signal from muscle activity, commonly used as a proxy for users’ intent in voluntary control of prosthetic devices. EMG signals are recorded with gold standard Ag/AgCl gel electrodes, though there are limitations in continuous use applications, with potential skin irritations and discomfort. Alternative dry solid metallic electrodes also face long-term usability and comfort challenges due to their inflexible and non-breathable structures. This is critical when the anatomy of the targeted body region is variable (e.g., residual limbs of individuals with amputation), and conformal contact is essential. In this study, textile electrodes were developed, and their performance in recording EMG signals was compared to gel electrodes. Additionally, to assess the reusability and robustness of the textile electrodes, the effect of 30 consumer washes was investigated. Comparisons were made between the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), with no statistically significant difference, and with the power spectral density (PSD), showing a high correlation. Subsequently, a fully textile sleeve was fabricated covering the forearm, with 14 textile electrodes. For three individuals, an artificial neural network model was trained, capturing the EMG of 7 distinct finger movements. The personalized models were then used to successfully control a myoelectric prosthetic hand.
Highlights
The overall goal of this work was to develop a scalable smart garment system capable of capturing muscles’ activity, controlling myoelectric prostheses or exoskeletons, and improve accessibility and functionality of assistive devices for individuals with amputation and mobility deficits
The textile electrode made of cross-section morphology ofofa aconductive (CSR) yarns is directly connected to the electrically passive surrounding fabric made of nylon yarn (d) 40× magnification, and (e) 250× magnification
Electrode Design Evaluation: To create 3D structure textile electrodes using CSR yarns, three layers were knitted and seamlessly integrated: (1) the surface of the electrode was made of CSR yarn, (2) nylon yarn was used as a spacer layer which was knitted under the surface layer acting as a filler to create a 3D raised structure, and (3) nylon yarn was used to knit the back layer to provide support to the entire structure (Figure 4d)
Summary
The overall goal of this work was to develop a scalable smart garment system capable of capturing muscles’ activity, controlling myoelectric prostheses or exoskeletons, and improve accessibility and functionality of assistive devices for individuals with amputation and mobility deficits. Myoelectric prostheses and exoskeletons (further referred to as active prostheses) are wearable robotic prostheses that enable and assist users in performing motor functions they have lost due to amputation or neuromuscular deficits. The complexity of these prostheses vary depending on the user’s needs, the location and the level of amputation, or deficit.
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