Biosignals are electrical, chemical, optical or mechanical signals that come from the human body. They carry important information about how our body is working, from the beat of your heart to the way your muscles move. Researchers and healthcare professionals use biosignals to study the body, monitor health, and build better tools for diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Biosignals
There are several types of biosignals, each with its own use, for example:
- Electromyography (EMG): Measures muscle activity
- Electrocardiography (ECG): Tracks heart activity
- Electroencephalography (EEG): Records brain waves
- Electrodermal Activity (EDA): Measures skin conductance (used to study stress and emotion)
- Respiration and Motion Signals: Useful in sports science, sleep studies, and ergonomics
Each signal tells a different story. For example, EMG is often used in physical therapy or robotics research, while EEG is key in neuroscience and brain-computer interface development.
Why Are Biosignals Important?
Biosignals help scientists and clinicians measure what can’t be seen. Instead of relying only on observation or self-reports, they offer real-time, objective data. In fields like:
- Neuroscience: Understanding how the brain responds to different tasks;
- Rehabilitation: Tracking recovery in physical therapy;
- Sports Science: Monitoring performance and fatigue;
- Mental Health: Identifying patterns linked to anxiety or stress;
- Human-Computer Interaction: Enabling systems to respond to physical states.
They also support innovation in wearable technology, from research-grade devices to consumer health trackers.
Challenges in Working With Biosignals
Collecting biosignals is not always easy. Signals can be affected by motion, environmental noise, or bad sensor placement. High-quality equipment and thoughtful experimental setup are essential for accurate results.
Researchers also need tools that are flexible and reliable, with features like wireless recording, data backup, and smart sensors that adapt to different conditions.
The Future of Biosignal Research
As technology improves, biosignals are playing a growing role in personalized healthcare and real-world research. Smaller, smarter devices are helping researchers collect better data, even outside the lab.
From brain activity to heart rate patterns, biosignals are helping build a clearer picture of human physiology, one signal at a time.
Ready to explore biosignals in your own research?
👉 Discover PLUX’s full range of biosignals acquisition systems, trusted by researchers in over 30 countries.
