BackgroundWearable textile electrodes for the detection of biopotentials are a promising tool for the monitoring and early diagnosis of chronic diseases. We present a comparative study of the electrical characteristics of four textile electrodes manufactured from common fabrics treated with a conductive polymer, a commercial fabric, and disposable Ag/AgCl electrodes. These characteristics will allow identifying the performance of the materials when used as ECG electrodes. The electrodes were subjected to different electrical tests, and complemented with conductivity calculations and microscopic images to determine their feasibility in the detection of ECG signals.MethodsWe evaluated four electrical characteristics: contact impedance, electrode polarization, noise, and long-term performance. We analyzed PEDOT:PSS treated fabrics based on cotton, cotton–polyester, lycra and polyester; also a commercial fabric made of silver-plated nylon Shielde® Med-Tex P130, and commercial Ag/AgCl electrodes. We calculated conductivity from the surface resistance and, analyzed their surface at a microscopic level. Rwizard was used in the statistical analysis.ResultsThe results showed that textile electrodes treated with PEDOT:PSS are suitable for the detection of ECG signals. The error detecting features of the ECG signal was lower than 2% and the electrodes kept working properly after 36 h of continuous use. Even though the contact impedance and the polarization level in textile electrodes were greater than in commercial electrodes, these parameters did not affect the acquisition of the ECG signals. Fabrics conductivity calculations were consistent to the contact impedance.

Computational power and interconnection capacities have contributed smartphones and tablets to become an essential tool to medical sector. Developed countries have demonstrated that mobile devices may be considered as equipment for tracking, monitoring, reading updating and treatment assistance; hence, they will be portable health care support machines. We have developed a mobile application for ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring based on Android and iOS (iPhone Operating System), which contributes to proceed with accuracy in daily activities connecting different zones. The application, composed by buttons, switches, sliders and rotating screens, runs under two scenarios: patient and doctor mode, allowing medical personnel to define different configurations. Both modes permit users to visualize in real time captured readings and tracings. Its advantages have increased in capabilities and decreased complexities, becoming one of the main instruments at hospital environments. It has been proven that such devices have better performance through the usage of cloud computing services, low power consumption and low number of connections. This paper aims to stimulate medical personnel the use of capacities for mobile devices through medical applications and guide diagnose procedures with efficiency.

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