Wearable Preventive Pressure Ulcer System Using Embroidered Textile Electrodes

Abstract

Approximately 80 percent of patients with limited mobility experience pressure ulcers (PU). Electrical stimulation (ES) is an effective therapeutic approach for PU prevention and treatment. This study reports the design of a custom-made adaptive garment as a wearable preventive pressure ulcer system by using embroidered textile electrodes to induce electrical stimulation for the gluteal muscles. Eight electrodes were embroidered using a satin stitch on a 100% cotton knitted fabric, only the bobbin was loaded with conductive threads, and cotton/polyester thread was used for the top stitch. An ES-induced protocol of 1:4 s on–off was applied for 3 min, with 17 min rest periods.

Keywords

• pressure ulcers
• electrical stimulation
• textile electrode
• embroidery
• conductive thread
• adaptive apparel