Relationship between Contact Pressure and Motion Artifacts in ECG Measurement with Electrostatic Flocked Electrodes Fabricated on Textile

Abstract

To develop a wearable multi-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) measuring system, we fabricated the electrodes and wires by using electrostatic flocking technology on a textile. By using this technology, it was possible to fabricate many electrodes and wires, simultaneously. Also the flocked electrodes and wires had stretchability and washing resistance properties. To use dry electrodes, it is important to reduce the influence of motion artifacts (MAs). The results of the experiment with the skin phantom revealed that the contact pressure between the skin and the electrode is an important factor in MA reduction. Then, we conducted experiments with a human body to determine the relationship between the contact pressure and the MAs. Under the pressures of 200 Pa and 500 Pa, MAs were observed. Meanwhile, under the pressures of 1000 Pa, 2000Pa and 4000 Pa, the ECG signals under rest and deep breathing conditions were able to be measured without MAs. Considering the comfortability, the contact pressure from 1000 Pa to 2000 is preferable. Finally, we fabricated the wearable ECG measuring system and succeeded in measuring 18-lead ECG signals. The measured ECG waveform is in good agreement with the ECG waveform measured by a commercial system.

Dry Epidermal Electrodes Can Provide Long-Term High Fidelity Electromyography for Limited Dynamic Lower Limb Movements

“…Covering epidermal electrodes resulted in higher averaged signal-to-motion ratios across days and averaged Signal Quality Index across days during baseline leg extension, sit-to-stand, and post leg extension, indicating that the covered epidermal electrodes could record higher fidelity signals during limited dynamic lower limb movements. These results are consistent with previous studies, which showed that appropriate contact pressure between the skin and the electrode could improve signal quality in general [35][36][37]. Wrapping self-adhesive tape over the epidermal electrodes and thigh provided some pressure that was sufficient to help reduce motion artifact caused by the relative movement of the electrode with respect to the underlying skin during limited dynamic lower limb movements but was not effective enough during whole body dynamic movements where there were more motion artifacts.…”

Multichannel ECG recording from waist using textile sensors

“…As such, e-textiles present a unique opportunity for unobtrusive integration of different sensing modalities in multiple locations on the body. In recent years, numerous studies have looked into the effects of electrode position, size, and skin contact pressure (holding pressure) on signal quality [21][22][23]. In addition, other factors such as electrode to skin sensorial comfort, integration or construction techniques, and laundering/reusability need to be considered in the design, development and selection of textile electrodes for long-term ECG monitoring [24,25].…”

Electronic Component Mounting for Durable E-Textiles: Direct Soldering of Components onto Textile-Based Deeply Permeated Conductive Patterns

“…In recent years, electronic textiles (e-textiles) have attracted significant research attention with respect to the development of new biological information monitoring systems [1][2][3][4][5][6], human interface systems [7,8], and fashions [9,10], among other schemes [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. At present, only conductive tracks and pads and several types of sensors can be formed on a textile by weaving, knitting, and stitching of conductive yarns on the textile [9,[19][20][21], or by printing of conductive inks on the textiles [3,22,23].…”