Design of TENS electrodes using conductive yarn

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop textile-based transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) electrodes using conductive yarn to bring a solution to uncomfortable feelings and hygiene problems of conventional conductive hydrogel electrodes. It proposes washing process, resistance measurements and subjective tests to evaluate the performance of the developed textile-based electrode. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, six different textile electrode pairs were designed and produced with different patterns. Designed electrodes were washed for ten times. In order to evaluate the effect of pattern differences and washing process on electrode performances, two different tests were realized before and after washing. The first of these tests is resistance measurement with a multimeter, and the second one is subjective test carried out on subjects. Findings – The results obtained from resistance measurements indicated that the pattern differences cause resistance values of electrodes to change. It is reported that subjects had electrical stimulation from all electrode samples in conducted trials and it is noticed that washing process does not cause any stimulation problems. Originality/value – In this study, textile-based TENS electrodes having different patterns were produced by machine stitching technique and their long-term usage behaviors were examined with repeated washing processes and trials on the subjects.

Utility of silver‐coated fabrics as electrodes in electrotherapy applications

“…Furthermore, small a‐delta and C nerves open the spinal gate system and activate opioid system. So endorphine hormone is secreted and patients feel better …”

Design of TENS Electrodes Using Diff erent Production Techniques

“…In the pattern type 2, the main stitch lines were parallel to each other, thus generating a series connection. Diff erent types of patterns with diff erent levels of stitch densities were investigated in a previous study, where it was established that high stitch density is more appropriate due to the homogeneity of resistance values [12]. Here, high stitch density means there are no spaces between the stitch lines.…”

A review of textile-based electrodes developed for electrostimulation

“…47,48 Textile electrodes enable the design and production of wearable healthcare products with minimal user discomfort. 49,50 Most commonly, they are produced via conventional textile production techniques using conductive materials to integrate the desired electrical functionality, 34,51 and they can have various sizes and shapes to match the desired body area and functionality. Examples are the use of small oval or square textile electrodes arranged in an electrode array (EA) to induce a hand movement, for example grasping or pinching, 52 the placement of comparatively bigger, square-shaped electrodes on the tibial and fibular nerves to induce a foot movement 53 or various shapes of textile electrodes for TENS being placed on the lower back to reduce back pain.…”