Modeling of Transcutaneous Recording for Bio-Impedance Analysis on the Upper-Arm

Bio-impedance analysis (BIA) is a non-invasive way of assessing body composition. It has been recently adapted for hand motion interpretation with promising results. However, heavily relying on a large number of electrode arrays and learning algorithms, a compact and optimized BIA recording strategy was yet thoroughly investigated. This paper uses computational modeling to facilitate the design of the BIA strategy. An anatomically accurate three dimensional (3D) upper-hand model was developed based on transient finite elements. The model can give helpful insight into the effect of stimulating electrodes at numerous positions on the upper arm, which is otherwise challenging to investigate in practical studies. Different electrode arrangements were designed to obtain the optimal arrangement for the bio-impedance analysis on the upper – arm based on electrical potential and current density distributions over and within the volume conductor. The impedance and phase variation were recorded for different sides of the arm using a systematic procedure based on the optimal electrode arrangement. The results show that the proposed modeling can be used to guided BIA strategy.