The Need
Current wearable sensors for muscle health are limited in their ability to track real-time geometric changes in muscle size and shape, especially outside controlled laboratory environments. Existing solutions, such as force myography and ultrasound, either lack direct geometric insight or are impractical for continuous, ambulatory use. This gap is critical for applications like spaceflight, rehabilitation, and sports medicine, where rapid muscle atrophy or subtle changes in muscle function can have severe consequences for performance and long-term health.

The Technology
This technology, developed by OSU engineers, introduces a novel class of smart textiles utilizing magnetoinductive waveguides (MIWs) and resonant loop arrays sewn into wearable bands. These textiles continuously and non-invasively sense limb circumference and shape at multiple locations, enabling real-time monitoring of muscle geometry and related health metrics. The system operates at distinct frequencies to isolate measurements of limb size, shape, and tissue composition, and leverages advanced algorithms to derive clinically relevant metrics such as muscle volume, force output, and fat percentage, all in a conformal, durable, and electrode-free wearable format.

Commercial Applications
• Remote rehabilitation and physical therapy monitoring
• Athlete performance optimization and injury prevention
• Spaceflight crew health management
• Elderly care and sarcopenia monitoring

Benefits/Advantages
• High Sensitivity & Localized Detection: Up to 8–20× greater sensitivity and much smaller footprint
• Durability & Comfort: No need for stretching or deformation of conductive elements
• Versatility: Capable of monitoring multiple health metrics (muscle size, shape, force, fatigue, and tissue composition)