Capacitive electromyography biosensor with wearable material as an insulator

Electromyography (EMG) is a bioelectrical signal used to diagnose musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) which affects the bio-mechanism, physiology and cognitive effects on human body. Conventional EMG measurement is done by using wet (Ag-AgCl) surface electrodes which requires good electrical contact between the electrode and the human body. One of the major disadvantages of wet surface electrodes is that it requires skin preparation; a wet gel that will cause skin irritation and is not suitable for long term monitoring. This paper presents a capacitive EMG biosensor which is capable of capturing EMG signals from the muscle without direct electrical contact between the electrode and human body. Satin is used as an insulator between the metal electrode and the human body. A detailed capacitive biosensor development and validation results are discussed in this paper. This capacitive EMG biosensor with satin as an insulator is a dry biosensor making it human skin friendly. It can be easily integrated with clothes providing an excellent option to replace wet surface electrodes and usable on wearable health monitoring application.