Flexible Dry Electrodes for EMG Acquisition within Lower Extremity Prosthetic Sockets

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Neuroprosthetics

Background:

• Surface electromyography (sEMG) acquisition for active lower extremity (LE) prostheses is challenging during gait.
• Existing sEMG solutions often require custom components, are uncomfortable, and are expensive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel flexible dry electrode design for sEMG acquisition within LE prosthetic sockets.
• To address limitations of current sEMG electrode technologies in terms of compatibility, comfort, and cost.

Main Methods:

• A flexible dry electrode prototype was designed based on specific criteria.
• Signal quality was compared between the novel electrode and commercial Ag/AgCl electrodes in seated, non-amputee subjects.
• The electrode was tested in a unilateral transtibial amputee during standing and walking with their existing prosthesis.

Main Results:

• Quantitative analysis showed comparable signal quality between the novel and commercial electrodes.
• Preliminary studies demonstrated the feasibility of real-time sEMG data collection in an ambulatory amputee subject.
• Qualitative feedback indicated the potential for practical application.

Conclusions:

• The proposed flexible dry electrode offers a promising alternative for sEMG acquisition in LE prosthetics.
• This design has the potential to improve neural control of active prostheses by being more user-friendly and accessible.
• Further research can validate its long-term performance and clinical utility.