Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) force myography sensor for muscle force output identification☆

Measuring muscle force output is an essential aspect of evaluating physical performance and health. It indicates the strength and functionality of muscles, which is crucial in daily activities, athletic performance, and rehabilitation processes. The measurements collected from muscle force output can be instrumental in controlling prostheses and exoskeleton devices. In this paper, an innovative approach to capture muscle force output is introduced, focusing on the utilization of Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) sensors. SAW sensors, while not frequently emphasized in this area, have gained importance for their versatility and ability to facilitate self- powered, wireless devices. This research focuses on using a 128 degrees YX-cut LiNbO3-based SAW sensor as a force myography sensor to measure muscle contractions in real-time. The findings demonstrate that SAW sensors possess a unique sensitivity and accuracy in tracking muscle dynamics, potentially surpassing traditional muscle activity detection methods such as strain gauge measurements and conventional electromyography (EMG).