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Page 14 of 35 Huang et al. Soft Sci 2024;4:40 https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/ss.2024.37

functionality: sensors, displays, energy devices, and memory devices [160,202] . They are integrated with some
commercial hardware and software to achieve a comprehensive health monitoring workflow. Notably, the
applications introduced in this review are just a few emerging examples. The health monitoring systems
based on textile electronics are rapidly evolving, and an increasing number of applications are expected to
be developed. The integration of diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in healthcare systems represents a
future trend for the advancement of textile electronics.

Human motion monitoring
Currently, technologies for detecting human motion are predominantly divided into two principal
categories: stationary and mobile monitoring. The stationary monitoring approach is contingent upon
equipment positioned at designated sites, including depth cameras and far-infrared cameras. However, this
approach has several limitations, including high costs, data accuracy, extensive data storage and processing,
[14]
restricted monitoring range, and potential privacy concerns . In contrast, mobile monitoring technologies
facilitate the unrestricted movement of subjects within an environment, typically employing wearable
sensing systems. In these systems, the application of textile electronics is revolutionizing the way of human
motion monitoring. These intelligent textile electronics demonstrate high sensitivity to minute variations in
tension or pressure. Moreover, they can be custom-tailored into various configurations and dimensions to
[203]
meet the diverse requirements of human motion monitoring . In human motion monitoring systems,
textile electronics are integrated into the seams of garments to capture the movements of the limbs (such as
the knees or elbows), and they can also be positioned on the dorsal region to monitor spinal posture and
upper body position [191,204,205] .

For instance, to motivate individuals with obesity or cardiovascular conditions to engage in increased
physical activity, the development of lightweight and comfortable sensing textiles is imperative. These smart
textiles can monitor their daily activity levels, providing a means to track progress and encourage a more
[206]
active lifestyle . Regarding Parkinson’s disease, although a complete cure is not possible, active treatment
and management can help patients maintain a good quality of life and work capacity . Precise
[207]
measurement of their movements is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of treatment. By monitoring
specific motion patterns, physicians can better understand the patient’s condition and adjust the treatment
plan accordingly.

In clinical monitoring applications, textile electronics designed for human motion monitoring are
integrated with motion analysis algorithms. In 2020, Lin et al. developed an innovative near-field responsive
sensing network by integrating near-field relays, commercial NFC tags, wireless battery-free temperature
and strain sensors, conductive threads, connections using conductive epoxy (CW2460, Chemtronics), and
wireless readers . This state-of-the-art wireless garment enables the real-time assessment of spinal posture
[208]
and the continuous monitoring of body temperature and gait during the exercise period. In 2022, Jiang et al.
used machine learning algorithms for the design of a self-powered posture monitoring vest (SPMV)
integrating conductive fibers, nylon yarns, sensor array [triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs)] with
protection layer . In addition, a step motor for periodic contact-separation movement and LabView and
[191]
Python software platforms for real-time data processing are applied. Precise, real-time posture recognition
and correction are achieved using the SPMV. Besides, the deployment of a random forest classifier has
yielded an impressive accuracy rate of 96.6%, surpassing the accuracy of logistic regression and decision tree
classifiers. In 2023, the same research group developed a self-powered multi-point body motion sensing
network (SMN) based on a fully textile structure, enhancing pressure response sensitivity and breathability
[Figure 6A] . Similar to their previous study, the body motion sensing system consists of a sensing fabric,
[187]
a linear motor, and a human-computer interface platform based on LabView software. The sensing fabric
was fabricated using Ag-polyethylene core-sheath composite yarns through 3D knitting techniques,