Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Assessments of cardiac electrical signals, such as variations in cardiac rhythm or abnormalities in wave form, allow for diagnoses of cardiac disease states. Conventionally, the cardiac electrical signals are acquired using gel electrodes, part of electrocardiogram (ECG) assessment. Gel electrodes have limitations for long-term use due to durability issues and possible skin irritations. This presents a need for an alternative to gel electrodes that addresses the limitations for long-term ECG measurements such as a holter system, while providing comparable clinical applicability and accuracy.

Throughout human history, textiles have been a ubiquitous technology. Their pervasive nature makes them a promising medium as a replacement for gel electrodes. This can be achieved through the introduction of materials that can capture electrical signals from the body. These materials can be introduced through techniques of lamination on textiles or as a fiber/yarn in the textile production process. In this thesis a variety of materials from the literature were selected and deployed using textile lamination and knitting, to create textile-based electrodes for electrophysiological signal acquisition. The textile-based electrodes were electrically characterized and compared to gel electrodes. The textile electrodes were further classified for their performance in the acquisition of electrophysiological signals, such as electrocardiogram (ECG) and electromyogram (EMG).

In the subsequent phase of this thesis textile form factors were designed and developed, that incorporated the textile-based electrodes best suited for ECG and EMG acquisition. The form factors were selected for use cases in, a) ECG:​ continuous monitoring through an underwear form factor for CVD, and b) EMG:​ continuous monitoring through a sleeve form factor for prosthetic control. Successful demonstrations are presented of the developed textile form factors, and the custom algorithms needed for the analysis of acquired electrophysiological signals from the textile-based electrodes.

In conclusion, a framework for the design, development, testing and validation of textile based electrophysiological systems is presented. These guidelines and best practices should pave the way for future developments in this field.