Challenges in biomedical signals monitoring using textile electrodes: A review

Abstract

The continuous monitoring of biosignals plays a crucial role in identifying and addressing serious health conditions. Conventional silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) electrodes, typically used for measuring biosignals, pose challenges for extended monitoring due to their tendency to dry out and cause skin irritation over time. Textile electrodes (TE) are a promising alternative that effectively overcomes the limitations of traditional electrodes. They offer enhanced comfort and usability, improving healthcare diagnostics. This review aims to provide a broad overview and critical evaluation of various materials and methods for TE production. Furthermore, technical challenges including TE shape and size, electrode skin impedance, and signal processing are discussed. Despite the advantages that TE provides, their challenges persist. These electrodes record biosignals and noises, necessitating signal-processing methods for accurate interpretation and analysis of biosignals. Moreover, the absence of conductive paste in TEs results in higher electrode skin impedance. TEs can be manufactured in various shapes, designs, and sizes. However, there is a lack of universal standards for these parameters. Ongoing research focus on developing advanced noise reduction algorithms and standards for TE production, potentially enhancing biosignal monitoring and facilitating early anomaly detection.