Ink-based textile electrodes for wearable functional electrical stimulation: A proof-of-concept study to evaluate comfort and efficacy

Abstract

Background

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) represents a promising technique for promoting functional recovery in individuals with neuromuscular diseases. Traditionally, current pulses are delivered through self-adhesive hydrogel Ag/AgCl electrodes, which allow a good contact with the skin, are easy-to-use and have a moderate cost. However, skin adherence decreases after a few uses and skin irritations can originate. Recently, textile electrodes have become an attractive alternative as they assure increased durability, easy integration into clothes and can be conveniently cleaned, improving the wearability of FES. However, as various manufacture processes were attempted, their clear validation is lacking. This proof-of-concept study proposes a novel set of ink-based printed textile electrodes and compares them to adhesive hydrogel electrodes in terms of impedance, stimulation performance and perceived comfort.

Methods

The skin–electrode impedance was evaluated for both types of electrodes under different conditions. These electrodes were then used to deliver FES to the Rectus Femoris of 14 healthy subjects to induce its contraction in both isometric and dynamic conditions. This allowed to compare the two types of electrodes in terms of sensory, motor, maximum and pain thresholds, FES-induced range of motion during dynamic tests, FES-induced torque during isometric tests and perceived stimulation comfort.

Results

No statistically significant differences were found both in terms of stimulation performance (Wilcoxon test) and comfort (Generalized Linear Mixed Model).

Conclusion

The results showed that the proposed ink-based printed textile electrodes can be effectively used as alternative to hydrogel ones. Further experiments are needed to evaluate their durability and their response to sterilizability and stretching tests.