TextrodeMisc – TEXtile elecTRODE Matrix for Improved Surface eleCtromyography signal quality and usability in applications for people with limb loss

Textile-based electrodes are about to be competitive alternatives to traditional electrodes for ECG and EMG. Electrodes integrated into textiles are easier to use which facilitates home-based monitoring, treatment and rehabilitation measures. One potential key application is Phantom Limb Pain (PLP) treatment using Phantom Motor Execution (PME), where EMG signal from the remaining muscles of the amputated limb is used to control a Virtual Reality (VR) representation of the lost limb. However, textile electrodes still need to be improved regarding electrode contact and adhesion to the skin. This calls for new sensing materials that may not have textile properties and thus need to be integrated into the textile in new ways. So, the aim of this project is to a) try new sensing materials that will improve the electrode contact and adhesion to the skin, and b) find ways to solve the interfacial linkage between the sensing material and the textile substrate. The project will focus on novel materials and textile construction development to overcome these issues. The main project deliverable is generic textile matrixes of electrodes that can be competitive alternatives to traditional electrodes. This should contribute to making e.g. PLP treatment generally available and easy to use as improved electrode signal quality would lead to better treatment effect, durability and sustainability. The concept of controlling the lost limb (central to the PLP treatment based on PME) is directly transferable to myoelectric controlled prostheses. Thus, we also aim to test what the new type of electrode matrixes could contribute to this “twin” application. The applicant's expert knowledge in sensing materials can together with smart textile experts (University of Borås), biomechatronic and pain researchers, and clinical connections (Chalmers Industriteknik) and users with limb differences make a breakthrough that addresses issues of high technical and social relevance.