Comparison of Different Embroidered Electrode Designs for Functional EMG Monitoring

The integration of electrodes into textiles for monitoring physiological signals like surface electromyography (EMG) represents a critical area of development for wearable health technology. In this context, this paper reported a comprehensive evaluation of different embroidered textile electrode designs for surface EMG applications. Electrodes using silver-coated polyamide yarn on a neoprene substrate were specifically fabricated, exploring various embroidery pattern (i.e., Satin, Spiral, Moss stitch) and geometries. The electrodes underwent a multi-faceted evaluation, including impedance check and functional EMG signal acquisition during operating conditions, i.e., walking and step climbing. Preliminary key performance metrics, such as Root Mean Square (RMS) and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), were analyzed while maintaining the dry conditions. The results indicate that embroidered electrodes can reliably detect muscle activation, with performance levels dependent on the specific design. Notably, the SNR of several embroidered designs was found to be on par with conventional pre-gelled Ag/AgCl electrodes. This research underscores the viability of technical embroidery as a robust method for producing high-fidelity and durable textile electrodes for wearable monitoring physiological systems, paving the way for more comfortable and user-friendly healthcare and sports applications.