Development of multi-channel intramuscular EMG recording electrodes

A 16-channel intramuscular electrode system for high-resolution EMG recording was developed and fabricated. This system consists of a flexible thread-like thin-film structure based on polyimide, which is attached to a conventional needle cannula by the use of a guiding filament. This needle is removed after insertion, leaving only the polyimide structure within the muscle. The electrode systems were electrically characterized and successfully evaluated in human subjects for recording of high-resolution EMG signals and single motor unit activity.