Characterization of a stretchable multielectrode array for epimysial recording

Electrical recordings of skeletal muscle activity [i.e., electromyogram (EMG)] provide information that can assist in the diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases and serve as command sources for prosthetic control. The application of stretchable multielectrode array (sMEA) technology as an epimysial (i.e. on muscle surface) interface provides great promise for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for the treatment of neuromuscular diseases. This paper characterizes the epimysial recording capability of a new type of sMEA developed recently. Specifically, electrode properties are tested; device durability is assessed; and EMG recordings using different electrode configurations are characterized. The findings lay the foundation for future high-density, multichannel epimysial recording studies using this type of sMEA.