Creating a wearable sensor to monitor muscle activity
Official title: Development of wearable dual-mode piezoresistive and piezoelectric sensor for muscle activity monitoring
Funded at Boise State University · NIH-11331904 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, comfy wearable sensor that tracks your muscle activity in real-time, making it easier for people with muscle issues to monitor their progress and improve their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boise State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boise, United States) |
| Project start | April 6, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $178,969 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM148321-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11331904 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from musculoskeletal disorders or those undergoing rehabilitation for muscle-related injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological disorders that affect muscle control may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of wearable sensor that can accurately monitor muscle activity using both piezoresistive and piezoelectric technologies. By utilizing mechanomyography (MMG), the sensor aims to provide a less invasive and more user-friendly alternative to traditional electromyography (EMG) methods. The goal is to create a flexible and comfortable device that can be easily worn by patients, allowing for continuous monitoring of muscle contractions and performance in real-time. This could significantly enhance the diagnosis and rehabilitation processes for individuals with musculoskeletal disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved monitoring and treatment of muscle-related conditions, enhancing patient outcomes and rehabilitation effectiveness.
How similar studies have gone: While mechanomyography is a promising approach, the application of dual-mode sensors for muscle activity monitoring is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Boise State University
Boise, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deng, Zhangxian — Boise State University
- Study coordinator: Deng, Zhangxian
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.