Stretchable, Flexible, Breathable, Self-Adhesive Epidermal Hand sEMG Sensor System

Abstract

Hand function rehabilitation training typically requires monitoring the activation status of muscles directly related to hand function. However, due to factors such as the small surface area for hand-back electrode placement and significant skin deformation, the continuous real-time monitoring of high-quality surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals on the hand-back skin still poses significant challenges. We report a stretchable, flexible, breathable, and self-adhesive epidermal sEMG sensor system. The optimized serpentine structure exhibits a sufficient stretchability and filling ratio, enabling the high-quality monitoring of signals. The carving design minimizes the distribution of connecting wires, providing more space for electrode reservation. The low-cost fabrication design, combined with the cauterization design, facilitates large-scale production. Integrated with customized wireless data acquisition hardware, it demonstrates the real-time multi-channel sEMG monitoring capability for muscle activation during hand function rehabilitation actions. The sensor provides a new tool for monitoring hand function rehabilitation treatments, assessing rehabilitation outcomes, and researching areas such as prosthetic control.

Keywords

• epidermal sEMG sensor
• stretchable structure design
• sensor fabrication design
• hand function rehabilitation