Changes in impedance at the electrode-skin interface of surface EMG electrodes during long-term EMG recordings

Changes in the impedance at the electrode-skin interface of SEMG electrodes on the tibialis anterior were assessed in nine subjects. SEMG signals were recorded using a bipolar electrode configuration that conformed to the SENIAM recommendations for SEMG data collection. Impedance measurements were made between a pair of bipolar electrodes using a custom-built device consisting of a PC and an impedance conversion circuit. The impedance device enabled the simultaneous application and recording of a waveform constructed of a known combination of sinusoids passed between the two electrodes. SEMG recordings at 10% of each subject's maximal voluntary force during ankle dorsiflexion were made for a 30-s period every 15-min over a two hour period. Impedance was measured immediately before and after each SEMG recording. All subjects gave their written informed consent.