abstract
This study investigates various integration approaches for embedding Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG) into wearable textiles for the continuous monitoring of vital signs. The primary aim was to design, fabricate, implement, and compare different methods of embedding FBG into fabric. The theoretical framework covers the fundamentals of FBG, including their features and fabrication methods. The literature review provides a comprehensive analysis of prior research and technological advancements in fiber-optic sensors for vital sign monitoring in textiles. The experimental section outlines the proposed encapsulation techniques, such as protective tubing, threading fiber through the textile, sewn fiber, and fiber encapsulated with heating tape. The process of embedding FBG sensors into textiles, as well as the implementation strategies, is thoroughly described. The procedures for verifying the sensor system's functionality are detailed, including comparison with reference systems such as a sensor for respiratory rate (RR) and an electrocardiography system (ECG) for heart rate (HR). The Bland-Altman (BA) analysis was employed to assess the agreement between the FBG sensors and the reference standards. In addition, a thorough analysis of the collected data is presented to demonstrate the sensor's efficacy and reliability in practical applications. The findings of this study contribute to advancements in wearable health monitoring technologies, with FBG sensors achieving a Bland-Altman agreement of up to 98.48% for RR and 97.58% for HR compared to reference systems, highlighting their potential applications in medical textiles.
keywords
RESPIRATORY RATE; HEART-RATE; SENSOR
subject category
Engineering; Instruments & Instrumentation
authors
Krizan, D; Stipal, J; Fajkus, M; Bohacova, J; Leal, A Jr; Marques, C; Nedoma, J
our authors
Carlos Marques
Assistant ProfessorProjects
Associated Laboratory CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials (LA/P/0006/2020)
acknowledgements
This work was developed within the scope of the projects CI-CECO (LA/P/0006/2020, UIDB/50011/2020, and UIDP/50011/2020) financed by national funds through the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation/MCTES (FCT I.P.) . The research was also cofunded by the financial support of the European Union under the REFRESH-Research Excellence For REgion Sustainability and High-tech Industries (project No. CZ.10.03.01/00/22-003/0000048) via the Operational Programme Just Transition. This work was also supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports of the Czech Republic and conducted by the VSB-Technical University of Ostrava, under grant No. SP2025/039 and SP2025/021.