The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding division of NASA has assisted DelSys, Inc. in developing the MyoMonitor EMG. US Medicine reports…
The MyoMonitor is a battery-powered, cable-free electromyography (EMG) device. Advances in technology have allowed developers to transform previously bulky and cumbersome equipment into a small wearable unit weighing just over two pounds. The MyoMonitor is capable of storing over three hours of data, which can be transferred to a regular personal computer and analyzed with special software.
Special electrodes were developed so that the monitor could maintain accurate readings during vigorous activity. Typically EMG signals are impaired by the accumulation of sweat on the skin; however, the MyoMonitor uses an active parallel bar electrode that does not require skin preparation or conductive gel.
Researchers have already begun to work on incorporating the new EMG equipment into NASA’s space suits. In addition to muscle monitoring in space, the technology is expected to be quite useful for other health care fields. The MyoMonitor may assist physicians in exercise training for rehabilitative therapy, as well as studying carpal tunnel syndrome while subjects perform routine activities such as typing.
More surface EMG electrode specs from DelSys Inc, along with portable and wireless variants of the MyoMonitor; some very interesting applications.