Integrated dry poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate electrodes on finished textiles for continuous and simultaneous monitoring of electrocardiogram, electromyogram and electrodermal activity

Abstract

Abstract Herein, screen printed electrodes prepared from commercially available conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate have been shown to record simultaneous electromyogram (EMG), electrocardiogram (ECG), and electrodermal activity (EDA) from a spandex t-shirt sleeve in dry state. Secondly, electrodes printed on an arm sleeve recorded EMG during muscle contraction and were compared to commercial Ag/AgCl electrodes that use hydrogel. Thirdly, the printed electrodes have been shown to be stable to ten washes with detergent and ten dry cycles upon treatment with commercially sold fabric protectors with ECG signals being recorded in underwater conditions from wrist. Lastly, EDA was measured from fingers by recording changes in skin conductance brought about by cognitive stress. This use of integrated sensors on a t-shirt provides a tool for continuous and simultaneous measurement of vital signals in at-risk patients.