The variation in pressures exerted by commercially available compression garments

Commercially available compression garments (CGs) demonstrate the enhanced recovery from exercise in some, but not all studies. It is possible that in some cases the degree of compression pressure (ComP) exerted is not sufficient to produce any physiological benefit. The aim of this investigation was to identify the levels of ComP exerted by commercially available CGs. This study was composed of two parts. In part A 50 healthy, physically active individuals (n=26 male, n=24 female) were fitted with CGs according to manufacturer’s guidelines. ComP was measured in participants standing in the anatomical position with a pressure measurement device inserted between the skin and the garment. Data were compared to ‘ideal’ pressure values proposed in the literature. In part B ComP in three different brands of CG were compared in a population of 29 men who all wore a medium sized garment. A one way ANOVA indicated that there was a significant difference (P0.05) between observed and ideal pressures in the calf of the male population. No significant differences in pressure (P>0.05) were observed between CG brands at the quadriceps or calf. In conclusion a large number of individuals may not be experiencing an adequate ComP from CG, and this is true for all 3 of the major brands of CGs tested in this investigation

Contributions for a new body representation paradigm in pattern design. Generation of basic patterns after the mobile body

Tese apresentada à Faculdade de Arquitectura de Lisboa da Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, para obtenção do grau de Doutor em Design

Generalized partially linear models on Riemannian manifolds

We introduce generalized partially linear models with covariates on Riemannian manifolds. These models, like ordinary generalized linear models, are a generalization of partially linear models on Riemannian manifolds that allow for scalar response variables with error distribution models other than a normal distribution. Partially linear models are particularly useful when some of the covariates of the model are elements of a Riemannian manifold, because the curvature of these spaces makes it difficult to define parametric models. The model was developed to address an interesting application: the prediction of children's garment fit based on three‐dimensional scanning of their bodies. For this reason, we focus on logistic and ordinal models and on the important and difficult case where the Riemannian manifold is the three‐dimensional case of Kendall's shape space. An experimental study with a well‐known three‐dimensional database is carried out to check the goodness of the procedure. Finally, it is applied to a three‐dimensional database obtained from an anthropometric survey of the Spanish child population. A comparative study with related techniques is carried out

Data Mining Anthropometric Parameters for the Design and Sizing of Female Full Body Protector

Since the entry of female troops in different paramilitary forces, there is a dearth of well-fitted personal protective gear for them to maximise operational safety and protection. A mismatch of anthropometry in design adversely affected the user’s performance during critical operation, compromising the safety and well-being of an individual. A detailed anthropometry-based sizing study was conducted by the research team, on the Indian female paramilitary troops for proper sizing of their protective gears and ensembles. An anthropometric survey of 325 female para-military troops, posted in two locations with age ranged from 21 to 54 years (mean ± SD) value: 37.14 ± 8.49 years was done. Each subject’s 28 different body dimensions were taken. The data was then investigated using the factor analysis method. Principal component analysis technique was used to reduce the variables to similar factor components where, two components with an Eigenvalue of more than 1 were selected. viz. Principal component 1 (girth dimensions) and Principal component 2 (abdomen or waist dimension). These two key variables were used to divide the population into three separate clusters using the K-means cluster method. These cluster groups were validated using a regression tree. Descriptive statistical analysis of data was conducted followed by Cluster analysis (of key components shortlisted) using Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) version 21. The current study was the first complete anthropometric survey of Indian female paramilitary personnel for the development of a female-specific sizing system for a full-body protector (FBP) design resulting is an improved fit of full-body protector

Development of standardised sizing system and size charts for the production of ready-to-wear clothing for Ghanaian children aged 6-11

Children experience rapid growth rate and often indulge in various physical and motion related activities in education and play spaces. Ill-fitting clothing such as very tight or unproportionally balanced clothes can cause movement restrictions, psychological challenges, and other undesirable health related issues. This makes appropriate clothing sizing crucial to address, as it gives children the right fit that allows room for movement and growth. Effectiveness of fit is based on a sizing system and size charts that have been developed using current and accurate body measurements of a specific population since differences exist among populations. Currently, established size charts and academic publications on sizing systems in Ghana have focused on women. No national database or anthropometric study has been developed exclusively for Ghanaian children. Practitioners either take measurements on ad-hoc basis for made-to-measure outfits; or use adapted versions of the British sizing system for manufacturing ready-to-wear garments such as uniforms. This research has therefore been undertaken to develop a standard clothing sizing system and size charts for Ghanaian children between the (school) ages of 6 and 11. This will sustain the general production of reliably sized garments for Ghanaian children whiles providing appropriate fit. It will further enhance mass production of ready-to-wear garments for the apparel market in Ghana. The study involved both secondary and primary data collection methods. An extensive review of literature was conducted focusing on relevant topics in anthropometry and anthropometric surveys for sizing creation, sizing systems, growth of children and garment fit. A comprehensive set of body measurements including height and weight of the sample population of school children were collected. A critical measurement procedural guide and two instructional videos in English and Twi (dominant Ghanaian language) were developed by the study taking into account efficacy, ethical and sustainable considerations for good practice. These were made available and guided parents/legal guardians and participants in the data collection process during fieldwork. The population consisted of primary school pupils in Ghana. A sample of 776 usable data was used for the analysis. With the IBM SPSS analytics software, appropriate statistical procedures such as means, t-test and analysis of variance tests (ANOVA) were conducted to ascertain the relationships among the variables and to obtain statistical data for the development of the sizing system. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were also used to aid the development of the sizing system. Centred on the PCA technique, three key dimensions (height, chest, and waist girths) were selected based on the factor loading and practicality. The study found and established significant differences between the body measurements of Ghanaian children aged 6-11 along gender lines. Using the cluster analysis technique, the selected dimensions were used to categorize the study sample into homogenous subgroups according to upper and lower body separately for both males and females. Four or five sizes were created for each cluster group, and size charts were established based on percentile values. This study presents theoretical and empirical contributions to the body of knowledge in anthropometrics. It has modelled a guide that demonstrates the capability of remote and safe body measuring practices on children, which is particularly useful, economical, and reliable for clothing related practices that seek to employ consistent traditional manual measuring techniques. The study has created an original up-to-date anthropometric database for Ghanaian children between 6-11 years; and developed a comprehensive sizing system for wider clothing practices. In addition to providing a framework for procedures in creating children’s sizing system and size chart, it establishes new size charts for both males and females aged 6-11, based on the Ghanaian population. These developments stand to increase productivity, consistency, and economic efficiency for the Ghanaian apparel industry. The study makes recommendations for extending this work to other segments of the population

Sizing Of Trousers and Shirts for Indian Army Personnel : An Anthropometric Application

The paper describes how anthropometric data obtained on 4400 Indian Army personnel was utilized in evolving size rolls for the trousers and shirts. A bivariate frequency distribution of abdominal circumference and abdominal height indicated that the data could be grouped into 14 sizes and such grouping could provide good fitting trousers to 92.52 percent of the troops. For shirts, the bivariate frequency distribution of chest circumference and arm length grouped army personnel again into 14 sizes. Such grouping encompassed 84.22 percent of the personnel studied. An extra large size has been provided for those not covered by these 14 size. In this study, 95 army officers’ clothing measurements essential for their good fitting trousers and shirts were taken along with the relevant body measurements. A stepwise linear regression analysis was also carried out to predict clothing measurements from body measurements. These regression equations were used to work out the dimensions of the trousers and shirts for different sizes from the classified anthropometric data

Measurement for Pattern Shape: Testing a Conic Model

This study investigated the use of the flat pattern conic model for body form implicit in the flat pattern method of patternmaking combined with a morphometric measurement technique for drafting individually fitted patterns. Measurements of 24 female body forms were taken. Lengths of lines from bust point to body landmarks and sizes of angles between the lines were determined. A pattern was drafted for each form and an average pattern based on measurement means was drawn for five forms with bust size 37. Individual patterns showed great variability in shape due to variable angle sizes; line measurements were more consistent. The average pattern fit only one of five size 37 forms. Results suggest that accurate pattern drafting requires assessment of angles between linear measurements to capture body shape.This study applied a conic model implicit in the flat pattern method of patternmaking with a morphometric measurement concept to measurement of human subjects. Planar-type measurement instruments were used to assess the front bodice of 50 male subjects selected to conform to size categories for protective garments. Findings suggest that increases in chest circumference are not predictive of proportional increases in shoulder length. Subject armscye and waistline shapes varied with the presence of fat versus muscle tissue. A noticeable drop in the waistline seam at center front for subjects in all size categories indicates the desirability of additional front opening length in protective garments.Home Economic

Development of a conceptual framework relating to ready-to-wear clothing for Ghanaian women for manufacturing strategies

In recent years there has been a remarkable increase in anthropometric surveys taking place worldwide for development of sizing systems. It has been acknowledged that the extent to which one sizing system may be applied to different populations is limited due to the variability of body shapes and sizes. Various countries have developed their own sizing systems in order to reduce problems associated with clothing sizes and fit. This study established that no official anthropometric survey has been conducted in Ghana. The absence of any publication of a national sizing system, intended for clothing purposes has resulted in the need for a sizing system that will relate to Ghanaian women and satisfy their different body shapes. This study was undertaken to develop a conceptual framework to facilitate the understanding of clothing sizes, body shapes and manufacturing strategies for the production of ready-to-wear for Ghanaian women aged between of 16-35 years. A mixed approach to research methods was adopted which incorporated interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaires and anthropometric survey to achieve the aims of the research after an extensive review of literature. The grounded theory approach was used to analyse the qualitative data to ascertain key issues related to sizing systems, body shapes and manufacturing strategies. Data was obtained from clothing manufacturers, stakeholders and consumers in Ghana using non-probability purposive sampling methods. Twenty clothing manufacturers and four stakeholders were interviewed. Four focus groups were formed for the discussions and 400 questionnaires were administered to consumers. Eight hundred and forty two Ghanaian women aged between 16-35 years were measured using the manual body measurement procedures. A quantitative approach using correlation and one-way ANOVA programmes from the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to determine the relationships among the variables and to obtain statistical information for the development of the sizing system. The grounded theory using an inductive approach was used to analyse the qualitative data from the interviews and focus group discussions. The findings of this study have implications for manufacturing strategy for clothing manufacturers for the Ghanaian market. A conceptual framework was developed to help facilitate the understanding of clothing sizes, body shape and manufacturing strategy for the production of ready-to-wear clothing. The anthropometric survey helped to develop a size chart for Ghanaian women aged between 16-35 years in order to improve well fitted and quality garments to satisfy consumer clothing needs. This study also established significant relationships between body shape, body cathexis and clothing. It contributes greatly to knowledge by providing a detailed procedure involved in developing a research based anthropometric, which will serve as the basis for other future national anthropometric surveys for men and children in Ghana as well as West Africa. This study also provides original baseline data for future research on body shape and body cathexis on Ghanaian women of all ages.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Industry fit practices and the issues that impact on good garment fit

1.1 Purpose This research establishes the skills sets and processes of current industry practitioners and the effect this has on the achievement of good garment fit. This is contrasted with established definitions of good garment fit, outlined in current literature, and provides evidence of areas which should be addressed through training. 1.2 Methodology A methodological strategy was developed to collect and analyse data from clothing professionals currently working within the clothing industry. A convenience sample of individuals working within various garment development roles for a variety of market levels were selected. Semi structured interviews were employed to gather data on industry processes and protocols. A fit evaluation tool was developed synthesising Fastfit, a tool that allows practitioners to view moving 360° pictures of garments, and literature definitions of good garment fit. This tool enabled the collection of observational data on practitioners’ skill sets. Both methods were used in the same instance. 1.3 Findings The paper established that although subjects worked at different market levels, their processes were similar and often individual practices within or perceptions of the process impacted directly on the garment fit. Skill set levels also varied within the sample set even between individuals who performed similar roles, which resulted in a variation of knowledge regarding suitable fit. Results indicated that problems with garment fit are cumulative, with issues involving practitioner skills levels and bad practice impacting on garment fit. It was identified that current academic research, centred on utilising technology for the improvement of garment fit, proffered solutions which were unfamiliar to practitioners, in terms of their skill sets and geared towards technologies not available within their workplaces. This study found that there has been little research focused on the practitioners themselves, their practices, the skills sets they are equipped with and the structures in which they operate. 1.4 Originality and recommendations This paper identifies current industry practices and skills sets to inform academic researchers and educational professionals who utilise technology for the improvement of garment fit. This paper further recommends that the skill set of practitioners be considered when providing academically derived solutions to facilitate ready implementation by the industry. This would also allow the development of a curriculum compatible with the needs of industry but which is able to integrate new ideas, practices and technologies in harmony with existing human resources and practices