Full‐Textile Electrostimulation Realizing Electrical Waste Reduction
ABSTRACT Wearable electrostimulation devices can enhance exercise performance and aid recovery; however, traditional systems often require external power sources and wiring, which limit mobility and contribute to electronic waste (e‐waste). In this study, we introduce WE‐Stim, a fully textile‐based electrostimulation system that integrates stimulation directly into clothing, eliminating the need for additional devices. Using body‐coupled energy transfer (BcET) and a unique arrangement of conductive and insulating materials, WE‐Stim delivers on‐demand electrical stimulation without batteries or generators. The system is designed through finite element analysis (FEA) and validated with human physiological performance tests and wearability studies. Results demonstrated substantial improvements in exercise performance, along with reductions in muscle soreness and edema. WE‐Stim presents a practical, sustainable solution for wearable electrostimulation, addressing the limitations of traditional systems by providing wireless, efficient stimulation for daily use.
Authors
- Hyeonhui Song
- Jinkee Hong (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3243-8536)
- Hyungseok Yong (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1176-4092)
- MyungHwan Song
- Jeangeun Jeon (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1953-5944)
- Okimitsu Oyama (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1671-8888)
- Sangmin Lee
- Sungeun Heo
- Serang Jung (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6770-7033)
- Yoojin Lee (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6630-422X)
- Seongeun Cho
- Patrick T. J. Hwang
Institutions
- Hanbat National University (KR)
- Yonsei University (KR)
- IIT@MIT (US)
- RBio (South Korea) (KR)
- Rowan University (US)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (US)
- Chung-Ang University (KR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Advanced Energy Materials
- Published
- 2026-01-06
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202504607
- Primary Topic
- Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Research Foundation
- Yonsei University
- Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy
- National Research Foundation of Korea
- Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea
- Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning