Wearable Garment vs Gel Electrodes for Electrical Muscle Stimulation

The goal of this study is to evaluate whether textile-based electrodes can provide neurostimulation that is comparable in comfort and effectiveness to traditional hydrogel electrodes in healthy adults.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

1. Is the perceived sensation of stimulation using textile electrodes non-inferior to that of hydrogel electrodes? 2. Is the current required to evoke muscle contractions similar between textile and hydrogel electrodes?

Each participant will complete three stimulation conditions in random order across separate visits:

1. hydrogel electrodes (standard), 2. dry polymer-textile electrodes with lotion, and 3. dry textile electrodes with hydrogel pads

Electrical stimulation will be delivered to the lower leg muscles using a wearable sleeve with integrated electrodes. The investigators will assess sensorimotor thresholds (e.g., detection, motor, and full motor threshold), skin-electrode impedance, and torque. Participants will also rate stimulation comfort, intensity, and sensation location via questionnaire.

After the three primary arms, participants may optionally complete two additional arms using different moisturizers applied to the textile electrodes to evaluate their impact on stimulation performance.

The results of this study will help determine whether textile electrodes can be used as an effective and comfortable alternative to hydrogel electrodes in wearable neurostimulation applications.