A Low-Profile High-Density Electromyography Neckband for Recording Neck Muscle Activity.

The predominant use of electromyography (EMG) with the extremities has led to specific form factors conducive to the arms and legs. Here, we describe the design and validation of a new wearable for recording EMG from the neck. EMG from the neck is useful for intraoperative neuromonitoring, outpatient monitoring of disease progression, and control of assistive technology. The current approach of using adhesive electrodes is time consuming and not practical for extended at-home use. Here, we introduce a low-profile, high-density EMG neckband that supports the unique requirements of the neck. The EMG neckband ensures broad muscle coverage across a range of neck sizes without hindering neck mobility or function (e.g., breathing, eating, speaking). Relative to the clinical and research standard of adhesive electrodes, the EMG neckband provides significantly faster donning and doffing times (seconds instead of minutes) and comparable signal quality and myoelectric control. This work constitutes an important step towards the translation of neck EMG as an assistive and diagnostic wearable, which in turn may improve quality of life for individuals with neuromuscular impairments.