Multi-layered fabric electrode for movement artifact reduction in capacitive ECG measurement

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Wearable Sensors
• Physiological Monitoring

Background:

• Capacitive electrocardiogram (cECG) offers a non-invasive method for monitoring heart activity.
• Movement artifacts are a significant challenge in wearable cECG systems, especially in dynamic environments.
• Fabric electrodes are promising for wearable applications due to their flexibility and comfort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of multi-layered fabric electrodes versus non-layered fabric electrodes in reducing movement artifacts.
• To evaluate electrode performance in capacitive electrocardiogram measurements from the human buttocks in a vibrating environment.

Main Methods:

• Fabric electrodes with multi-layered (sensing electrode, driven shield, ground layers) and non-layered configurations were fabricated.
• Capacitive electrocardiogram measurements were performed on six participants in a seated position on a vibrating platform.
• The amplitude of movement artifacts was quantified and compared between the two electrode configurations.

Main Results:

• The multi-layered fabric electrode configuration demonstrated a significant reduction in movement artifact amplitude compared to the non-layered configuration.
• This suggests improved performance of the multi-layered design in mitigating motion-induced noise.

Conclusions:

• Multi-layered fabric electrodes, incorporating sensing, driven shield, and ground layers, are superior for movement artifact reduction in cECG.
• This electrode design holds potential for enhancing the reliability of wearable cECG systems in real-world, dynamic conditions.