Garments for functional electrical stimulation: Design and proofs of concept

Abstract

Introduction Repeated use of functional electrical stimulation can promote functional recovery in individuals with neurological paralysis. We designed garments able to deliver functional electrical stimulation. Methods Shirts and pants containing electrodes knitted with a conductive yarn were produced. Electrodes were moistened with water before use. Stimulation intensity at four thresholds levels (sensory, movement, full range of motion, and maximal), stimulation comfort, and electrical properties of the interface were tested in one able-bodied subject with garment electrodes and size-matched conventional gel electrodes. The pants and shirt were then used to explore usability and design limitations. Results Compared to gel electrodes, fabric electrodes had a lower sensory threshold (on forearm muscles) but they had a higher maximal stimulation threshold (for all tested muscles). The stimulation delivery was comfortable when the garment electrodes were recently moistened; however, as the electrodes dried (within 9 to 18 min) stimulation became unpleasant. Inconsistent water content in the fabric electrodes caused inconsistent intensity thresholds and inconsistent voltage necessary to apply a desired stimulation current. Garments’ tightness and impracticality of electrode lead necessitate further design improvement. Conclusions Fabric electrodes offer a promising alternative to gel electrodes. Further work involving people with paralysis is required to overcome the identified challenges.

Functional electrical stimulation therapy for restoration of motor function after spinal cord injury and stroke: a review

“…In their study, they found a wet textile-based electrode was able to produce movement, similar to a hydrogel, while applying stimulation with a dry textile-base electrode produced pain even at low stimulation currents. Similar observations were reported by [65] when using their garments for FES delivery.…”

“…More importantly, textile-based garments can also be integrated into regular clothing which has the potential to simplify the delivery of FES and, consequently its use. This is further supported by the fact that garments can be mass-produced [65]. Examples of textile-based electrodes include the Smart Electrode and the Smartex [66].…”

“…The electrode was used to produce pointing with the index finger, precision pinch, and hand opening (finger extension) in two healthy participants. Recently, Moineau et al [65] reported on the design and testing of shirt and leggings that were specifically designed to produce upper and lower limb movements. The garments were constructed with nylon and spandex with the addition of patches including a nylon yarn coated with silver/silver chloride and spandex.…”

A Wearable FES Compression Garment

“…However, despite the potential of wearable FES garments, the stimulation comfort of textile electrodes remains of concern [3]. For example, researchers [3,4] found that textile electrodes produced by knitting technologies required continued moistening to exhibit comparable stimulation performance to traditional electrodes. There has also been an increased focus on the development of dry-contact textile electrodes.…”

Застосування Розумних Тканин При Проектуванні Функціонального Одягу Для Пацієнтів

“…Як правило, електростимулятори розташовують на ділянках переднього та заднього дельтовидних м'язів, трицепса і біцепса, нижче колін, сідничного м'яза, прямого м'яза живота, а також в області поперекового відділу хребта. Розробники пропонують виготовляти такі стимулятору розміром з iPad [6].…”