Soft Electronics Enabled Ergonomic Human-Computer Interaction for Swallowing Training

Abstract

We introduce a skin-friendly electronic system that enables human-computer interaction (HCI) for swallowing training in dysphagia rehabilitation. For an ergonomic HCI, we utilize a soft, highly compliant (“skin-like”) electrode, which addresses critical issues of an existing rigid and planar electrode combined with a problematic conductive electrolyte and adhesive pad. The skin-like electrode offers a highly conformal, user-comfortable interaction with the skin for long-term wearable, high-fidelity recording of swallowing electromyograms on the chin. Mechanics modeling and experimental quantification captures the ultra-elastic mechanical characteristics of an open mesh microstructured sensor, conjugated with an elastomeric membrane. Systematic in vivo studies investigate the functionality of the soft electronics for HCI-enabled swallowing training, which includes the application of a biofeedback system to detect swallowing behavior. The collection of results demonstrates clinical feasibility of the ergonomic electronics in HCI-driven rehabilitation for patients with swallowing disorders.

Fully portable and wireless universal brain–machine interfaces enabled by flexible scalp electronics and deep learning algorithm

“…FEA results show the maximum strain under 1% in any region of the electrode, while microscopic observation captures no fracture lines. This evidence, in addition to our prior studies evidencing long-term reliability 15,38,42 regarding skin wearable electrodes demonstrate mechanical stability of SKINTRONICS device and electrodes for extended human use.…”

Evaluation of Swallowing Related Muscle Activity by Means of Concentric Ring Electrodes

“…Recent studies on using ultra-flexible electrodes [ 32 ] and electrode patches [ 33 ] deal mainly with measuring sEMG signals, especially in the submental area, for portable and remote monitoring of swallowing tasks and human-computer interaction, and focus on the materials and fabrication procedures; however, they do not address the optimal electrode configuration.…”

Wireless, intraoral hybrid electronics for real-time quantification of sodium intake toward hypertension management

“…The mesh-structured ground plane, stretchable interconnects, and supporting pads for mounting of ICs ( Fig. 1 D and E) are fabricated using typical microfabrication methods (24,25). The fabricated electronic layers are separated from a carrying wafer and transferred onto a thin elastomer (Eco30, 200 μm in thickness) using material transfer printing (25,26).…”

“…1 D and E) are fabricated using typical microfabrication methods (24,25). The fabricated electronic layers are separated from a carrying wafer and transferred onto a thin elastomer (Eco30, 200 μm in thickness) using material transfer printing (25,26). The hybrid electronic system is composed of multiple units: a microstructured ion-selective sodium sensor, signal filtering/amplification, Bluetooth low-energy wireless telemetry, and antenna (SI Appendix, Fig.…”