E-textiles based wearable electrode garment for rehabilitation and active living

Inactivity can result when people suffer pain and physical functional disability. Lack of exercise often worsens the symptoms of existing health conditions (e.g. the pain and stiffness associated with musculoskeletal disease) and increase the risk of falls, obesity and critical illness (e.g. cardiovascular and respiratory disease). Public Health England estimates that lack of physical activity costs the UK £7.4 billion a year. This number will increase with the current change in lifestyle due to Covid 19 lockdown and the aging population since nearly 25% will be 65 and above by 2046.

Electrical stimulation (ES) is a type of electrotherapy device which sends a mild current through electrodes placed on the skin resulting in pain relief and muscle exercise. It can stimulate the sensory nerve to block pain signals from travelling to the brain. It can also stimulate the motor nerves and muscles to enable muscle contraction to assist functional movement and regain lost functions.

This project will develop a wearable electrode garment (sleeve/cuff) that can replace the traditional disposable hydrogel electrodes used in electrotherapy devices. The novel electrode is a soft and skin-like material that is comfortable to wear. The sleeve/cuff garment design will enable users to use it on different parts of the body (arms/legs/joints). The garment is easy to use and durable lasting for over one year. It will allow people to undertake regular exercise independently leading to improved physical function, increased wellbeing and reducing strain on families, communities and the society.

The extension for impact fund will allow Etexsense to 1) develop cost effective manufacturing process and build partnership for scale-up; 2) collaborate with Hampshire Wellbeing Centre to test the device for pain relief applications and develop testimonials; 3) prepare for the product launching (e.g. distribution channels, website for product sales).