Thermal Comfort Evaluation of Seam Types in Athletic Bodywear (UG - 1st place)

To objectively evaluate the thermal comfort properties of three typical seams used in sportswear construction (overlock seam, flatlock seam and adhesive seam), this study examined 1) physical properties of seams created by the three seaming methods in small-scale fabric samples, and 2) thermal properties of activewear bodysuit created by the three seaming methods through a series of thermal manikin test

Going the Distance

Keeping in mind the necessities of running apparel, this look was designed to enhance a runner’s performance through a streamlined-compression fit, while maintaining comfort and breathability throughout the garments

Impact of body armor and load carriage on lower body movement

Scope and Method of Study: The overall purpose of this study is to compare impacts that personal body armor and carrying loads have on lower body movement by using motion capture, Electromyography (EMG) and foot pressure technologies. Seven healthy male ROTC students participated in a human subject test. The independent variable was garment condition with seven levels. Seven treatment garments included 4 levels of weight (1/8 lb, 20 lb, 40 lb and 60 lb) with varying weight distribution. Treatment 1 was a 1/8 lb pair of snuggly fitting sports shorts. Treatment 2 (T2) was a 20 lb Outer Tactical Vest (OTV) in addition to wearing T1. Treatments 3, 4 and 5 (T3, 4 and 5) included wearing T2 and a 20 lb carrying load attached to three different OTV locations. Treatments 6 and 7 (T6 and T7) included wearing T2 and a 40 lb carrying load attached to the OTV in two different locations. Temporal and distance parameters of walking patterns, Range Of Motion (ROM)s, maximum joint angle (joint anglemax), peak EMG amplitude on four leg muscles, plantar pressure and contact area of the foot were measured as dependent variables while subjects walked barefoot wearing seven different garments. In addition, subjects' perceptions about ease of walking were also assessed by using a ballot with a 5-point Likert scale. Gait analysis and statistical analyses were used to identify changes in lower body movement while walking under the seven garment treatment conditions.Findings and Conclusions: Significant garment effects were found for four temporal and distance parameters of walking (stance phase, swing phase, double support and stride length); six ROMs (pelvic obliquity, hip adduction-abduction, pelvic tilt, hip flexion-extension, pelvic rotation and hip rotation); two joint anglemax (pelvic intrarotation and pelvic extrarotation); peak EMG amplitude on the rectus femoris; and peak plantar pressure at the forefoot and rearfoot, average plantar pressure and change in contact area. Subjects reported perceiving increased limitation in lower body movement, discomfort and fatigue, as weight of garment and carrying load increased

Preliminary Investigation of Bikram Yoga Apparel for Improved Mobility and Comfort

Bikram yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga that consists of 26 poses executed in a specific order for 90 minutes in a room heated to approximately 40°C (105°F) with 40% relative humidity. The purpose of this study was to understand the clothing needs for Bikram yoga practice, to investigate dynamic change of body dimension through anthropometric measurements in select Bikram yoga postures, and to propose improved designs to meet consumers\u27 needs in performance and comfort. A mixed methods research approach was undertaken comprising of four parts: interviews with participants, anthropomorphic data collection, prototype creation, and follow up interviews. Participants voiced satisfaction with the final unitard prototype as having adequate support in the chest area however also stating that the ruching in the mid-section of the garment was \u27baggy\u27 relative to their body type

Effectiveness of Electrical Heating for Improved Thermal Insulation of a Multi-layered Winter Clothing System

This paper investigated the impact of the distance of the heating unit from the body in a multi-layered winter clothing system on effective thermal insulation and heating efficiency. To identify changes in the thermal insulation and heating efficiency of electrical heating in different layers inside a winter clothing ensemble, a series of thermal manikin tests was conducted. A multi-layered winter ensemble with and without activation of a heating unit was tested on the thermal manikin under two different ambient temperature conditions (10°C and 5°C). Results show that the effective thermal insulation of test ensembles increased by 5-7 percent with the activation of the heating unit compared to that without the activation. The closer the heating unit to the body, the higher the effective thermal insulation was in both ambient temperature conditions. This trend was more significant at lower ambient temperature

Different Impacts of Boot Height and Air Bottles on the Mobility of Tall and Short Firefighters

This study conducted biomechanical tests with 21 firefighters and found that there is a significant correlation between boot height and lower body mobility, and that using a fixed boot height mandated by NFPA 1971 standard decreased lower body ranges of motion during various firefighters\u27 job-related tasks. Statistical analysis of large anthropometric data also shows a fixed boot height cannot accommodate a wide range of firefighters\u27 leg length. These findings indicate that shorter firefighters are likely to have limited lower body mobility due to reduced clearance between the knee and top of the boot, and thus decreased space causing greater mechanical binding between multiple layers of turnout pants. This study also shows a greater negative impact of fixed length of SCBA cylinder on short firefighters on their upper body mobility, evidenced by limited range of motion in neck extension and lumbopelvic flexion while carrying firegear compared to without any firegear

Course Syllabus FSAD 6900-Fa 2012

FSAD 6900, Understanding the Functional Aspects of Clothing and Design, Course Syllabus by Huiju Park, Fall 201