Cross sensitivity of different electrode types for impedance plethysmography under motion conditions

The non-invasive measurement of biological signals is prone to failure when the proband is in motion. In clinical practice disposable wet adhesive Ag/AgCl electrodes are used for ECG measurements to minimize failure caused by motion. For sportive action a chest strap with conductive rubber electrodes is widespread for continuous monitoring of the heart rate. Complaints about poor comfort and friction at the skin caused by the chest strap leaded to new developments with textile electrodes. The dynamic properties of electrodes and the coupling to the skin are important to optimize signal quality. We compare new textile with standard ECG electrodes and tested their suitability to the heart-rate measurement with impedance plethysmography under motion conditions.