Stretchable surface electromyography electrode array patch for tendon location and muscle injury prevention

Shuaijian Yang, Jinhao Cheng, Jin Shang, Chen Hang, Jie Qi, Leni Zhong, Qingyan Rao, Lei He, Chenqi Liu, Li Ding, Mingming Zhang, Samit Chakrabarty () and Xingyu Jiang ()
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Shuaijian Yang: Southern University of Science and Technology
Jinhao Cheng: Southern University of Science and Technology
Jin Shang: Southern University of Science and Technology
Chen Hang: Southern University of Science and Technology
Jie Qi: Southern University of Science and Technology
Leni Zhong: Southern University of Science and Technology
Qingyan Rao: Southern University of Science and Technology
Lei He: Southern University of Science and Technology
Chenqi Liu: Southern University of Science and Technology
Li Ding: Southern University of Science and Technology
Mingming Zhang: Southern University of Science and Technology
Samit Chakrabarty: University of Leeds
Xingyu Jiang: Southern University of Science and Technology

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract Surface electromyography (sEMG) can provide multiplexed information about muscle performance. If current sEMG electrodes are stretchable, arrayed, and able to be used multiple times, they would offer adequate high-quality data for continuous monitoring. The lack of these properties delays the widespread use of sEMG in clinics and in everyday life. Here, we address these constraints by design of an adhesive dry electrode using tannic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, and PEDOT:PSS (TPP). The TPP electrode offers superior stretchability (~200%) and adhesiveness (0.58 N/cm) compared to current electrodes, ensuring stable and long-term contact with the skin for recording (>20 dB; >5 days). In addition, we developed a metal-polymer electrode array patch (MEAP) comprising liquid metal (LM) circuits and TPP electrodes. The MEAP demonstrated better conformability than commercial arrays, resulting in higher signal-to-noise ratio and more stable recordings during muscle movements. Manufactured using scalable screen-printing, these MEAPs feature a completely stretchable material and array architecture, enabling real-time monitoring of muscle stress, fatigue, and tendon displacement. Their potential to reduce muscle and tendon injuries and enhance performance in daily exercise and professional sports holds great promise.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42149-x

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