Journal Article

The rapid advancement of wearable electronics over recent decades has led to the development of stretchable strain sensors, which are essential for accurately detecting and monitoring mechanical deformations. These sensors have widespread applications, including movement detection, structural health monitoring, and human–machine interfaces. Resistive-type sensors have gained significant attention due to their simple design, ease of fabrication, and adaptability to different materials. Their performance, evaluated by metrics like stretchability and sensitivity, is influenced by the choice of strain-sensitive materials. This review offers a comprehensive comparison and evaluation of different materials used in resistive strain sensors, including metal and semiconductor films, low-dimensional materials, intrinsically conductive polymers, and gels. The review also highlights the latest applications of resistive strain sensors in motion detection, healthcare monitoring, and human–machine interfaces by examining device physics and material characteristics. This comparative analysis aims to support the selection, application, and development of resistive strain sensors tailored to specific applications.