Borstleads

Borstleads are a family of conformable, self-adhesive electronic leads used to capture physiological signals from the chest. They are designed to replace traditional rigid ECG leads and provide stable signal acquisition during daily activities and exercise. The term combines the root borrowed from several languages for chest (borst) with the familiar concept of electrical leads.

Design and technology

Borstleads typically consist of a thin, flexible substrate with printed or coated electrodes. They use dry or minimally intrusive gel-free sensors to detect electrical activity or other biometric signals. Power is supplied by a compact on-board battery or an energy-harvesting module, and data are transmitted wirelessly to a monitoring device via Bluetooth Low Energy or a similar low-power protocol. The construction prioritizes skin compatibility, reduced motion artifacts, and easy removal.

Applications

These leads are employed in electrocardiography for ambulatory monitoring, heart rate and rhythm assessment, and respiratory sensing. They are also used in sports science to track physiological responses during training, in telemedicine for remote patient monitoring, and in research settings investigating gait, stress, or autonomic function.

Manufacture and materials

Borstleads use flexible substrates such as polyimide or elastomeric polymers, with printed conductive inks (silver, carbon) and adhesive layers. Materials are chosen to minimize allergy risk and skin irritation and to allow conformal contact with the chest during movement. Manufacturing often involves screen printing, lamination, and quality control for impedance and signal quality.

History and status

The concept emerged in the mid-2010s as wearable, skin-friendly alternatives to conventional ECG leads. Since then, borstleads have evolved with improved adhesion, reduced thickness, and better integration with wearable monitoring systems, gaining adoption in clinical and consumer health markets. See also electrocardiography and wearable sensors.