Recent advances in flexible noninvasive electrodes for surface electromyography acquisition

Abstract

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is used to detect and analyze human muscle biopotential. Recently, flexible noninvasive electrodes (FNEs) have emerged to extract bioelectrical signals from individual bodies. For FNEs to be deployed as a central component of physiological signal acquisition, the quest for elevated signal-to-noise ratio and density is compelling owing to the small amplitude of sEMG. Herein, we review recent progress in FNEs for sEMG acquisition. We summarize the needed properties of FNEs, compare the differences between passive electrodes and active electrodes and exemplify applications of FNEs. We also conclude the current challenges and future opportunities in sEMG acquisition.

Surface EMG in China: a report on the 2023 surface EMG symposium

“…Although this symposium covered a broad range of topics, there are other important topics or issues that were not addressed. These include recent advances in the manufacture of surface EMG electrodes and EMG data acquisition devices ( 4 – 6 ) and novel applications of surface EMG, including for pelvic floor examination and treatment ( 7 ). In addition, although surface EMG has achieved significant development in recent decades, barriers limiting widespread use in clinical and rehabilitation practice remain ( 8 , 9 ).…”

Flexible PDMS Composite Electrodes with Boronic Acid-Modified Carbon Dots for Surface Electrophysiological Signal Recording

“…1 ECG recordings allow monitoring the health of the heart, while EMG can reflect the condition of muscles. 1,2 Due to their importance, the ability to record continuous and precise bioelectrical signals in a comfortable manner is a topic of great medical emphasis. 3 To collect bioelectrical signals like ECG and EMG, surface electrodes located on the skin's surface have been exploited.…”

“…The primary types of bioelectrical signals commonly measured for the prevention and diagnosis of medical conditions include electrocardiogram (ECG) and electromyogram (EMG) . ECG recordings allow monitoring the health of the heart, while EMG can reflect the condition of muscles. , Due to their importance, the ability to record continuous and precise bioelectrical signals in a comfortable manner is a topic of great medical emphasis …”

A Stretchable and Sweat-Adhesive 3D Graphene Eutectogel Electrode for EMG Monitoring

“…In recent years, wearable devices have made remarkable progress and have been widely used in different fields, such as human–computer interactions, healthcare, and drug delivery. − An epidermal electrode is a kind of wearable device and can collect electrophysiological signals, including electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG), electrooculography (EOG), and electromyography (EMG). − EMG is derived from electrical potential changes of muscle cells or muscle tissues during activity, which is used for fatigue assessment and relief, sports training, and prosthesis control. − However, epidermal electrodes no longer fit closely to skin after sweating or a period of use, which creates motion artifacts, reduces the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and makes it difficult to detect weak EMG. , In addition, human skin deforms with body movement. Dry electrodes do not adapt to the deformation and separate from skin, which cannot stably detect signals and causes discomfort. , Commercial gel electrodes usually reduce adhesion and conductivity after prolonged use due to water loss, which poses a challenge for long-term reusable electrodes. − Eutectic gels are a type of ionic gels, which have great adhesion and stretchability .…”

“…11−14 However, epidermal electrodes no longer fit closely to skin after sweating or a period of use, which creates motion artifacts, reduces the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and makes it difficult to detect weak EMG. 15,16 In addition, human skin deforms with body movement. Dry electrodes do not adapt to the deformation and separate from skin, which cannot stably detect signals and causes discomfort.…”