The Use of Conductive Lycra Fabric in the Prototype Design of a Wearable Device to Monitor Physiological Signals

Wearable technology has become commonplace for the measurement of heart rate, steps taken, and monitoring exercise regimes. However, wearables can also be used to enable or enhance the lives of persons living with disabilities. This paper discusses the design of a wearable device that aims to facilitate the assessment of physiological signals using conductive Lycra fabric. The device will be applicable for daily use within diverse contexts including the evaluation of emotional experiences of children with Severe Motor and Communication Impairment and the detection of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in children with Down Syndrome. The Lycra fabric sensors are used to acquire electrocardiographic signals, galvanic skin response, and respiratory signals. Articulated design requirements include constraints related to the ability to fit children of all sizes, and meeting medical device standards and biocompatibility, and criteria related to low costs, comfortability, and maintainability. Upon prototyping and preliminary testing, this device was found to offer an affordable, comfortable, and accessible solution to the monitoring of physiological signals. Clinical Relevance— This research provides initial knowledge and momentum towards an affordable wearable device using conductive Lycra to effectively monitor and assess physiological signals in children with disabilities