Design and validation of a modular smart headband with embroidered electrodes for comfortable EEG monitoring.

Abstract

Wearable electroencephalography (EEG) systems enable neural monitoring beyond controlled laboratory environments. However, conventional EEG devices are limited by bulky hardware, lengthy setup procedures, electrode-related discomfort or irritation, and high costs, restricting their suitability for long-term real-world use. This study presents the design and validation of a modular smart EEG headband integrated with soft e-textile electrodes for comfortable, reliable out-of-lab EEG acquisition suitable for long-term neural monitoring. This research developed six adjustable, replaceable embroidered electrodes (textrodes) incorporating a foam layer to improve scalp contact. These textrodes were embedded in a neoprene headband and positioned over the frontal and temporal regions just below the hairline. The performance of the smart headband in detecting spectral and event-related potential (ERP) effects in three standard tasks, such as eyes open/closed, auditory oddball, and visual oddball, on ten healthy participants, was validated and compared with a commercial system endowed with sponge-based wet electrodes. Comfort and usability were assessed via a standardized questionnaire. The smart headband reliably captured alpha-band modulation during the eyes open/closed task (p = 0.01) and significant ERP effects in both the auditory and visual oddball tasks (p = 0.014 and p = 0.013, respectively), demonstrating performance comparable to the commercial system. Questionnaire results indicated superior comfort and the elimination of skin irritation for the smart headband. The smart headband demonstrates detectability of spectral/ERP functional responses comparable to a commercial sponge-based EEG cap, while substantially improving user comfort. By combining soft embroidered electrodes with a wearable, modular form factor, this study advances wearable EEG technology toward comfortable, cost-effective applications, aligning with emerging needs in real-world neuromonitoring.