Optimization and Device-Level Validation of the i-Phagia Surface Electromyography Submental Sensor Patch for...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Clinical Measurement

Background:

• Surface electromyography (sEMG) is crucial for swallowing intervention biofeedback.
• Existing sEMG sensors are often expensive or have limited durability.
• There is a need for improved wearable sEMG solutions for swallowing assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the signal quality and preclinical performance of the i-Phagia flexible wearable sEMG patch.
• To compare the i-Phagia patch against conventional sEMG sensors in young and older adults.
• To assess the safety, satisfaction, and efficiency of the i-Phagia patch.

Main Methods:

• A randomized crossover study involving 60 healthy adults (young and older).
• Participants performed swallows with both i-Phagia and conventional sensors.
• Signal-based factors (SNR, baseline amplitude, normalized sEMG amplitude), safety, satisfaction, and placement efficiency were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The i-Phagia patch demonstrated equivalent signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and lower baseline amplitude, indicating superior signal quality.
• High correlations in normalized sEMG amplitudes suggest consistent muscle activity recording.
• The i-Phagia patch was associated with higher user satisfaction and more efficient application, with no reported pain.

Conclusions:

• The i-Phagia patch is a safe and effective wearable sEMG sensor for swallowing interventions.
• It offers comparable signal quality to conventional sensors with improved user experience.
• Findings support the i-Phagia patch's potential for clinical use in swallowing rehabilitation.