Ergonomic compatibility between sewing workstation and Bangladeshi apparel workers.

Prolonged sitting with awkward posture during sewing results in musculoskeletal disorders among sewing operators. This study aimed to identify the compatibility of the sewing furniture with operators' anthropometry. Therefore, 13 anthropometric measurements of 368 sewing operators were collected and compared with sewing furniture dimensions. The results showed that all anthropometric measurements other than hip breadth were larger for male participants. In addition, statistical analysis performed on the collected data showed significant variation compared to the existing dimensions of sewing machines. Results also indicated a high mismatch for different dimensions of the sewing table and chair, such as seat height, seat width, seat depth, table depth, etc. For this reason, sewing operators often experience musculoskeletal disorders. Finally, this study recommends some guidelines for designing the sewing workstation, which might act as a basis for manufacturers or importers to set provisions for sewing machines.

Innervate Commercial Fabrics with Spirally-Layered Iontronic Fibrous Sensors Toward Dual-Functional Smart Garments.

Electronic fabrics exhibit desirable breathability, wearing comfort, and easy integration with garments. However, surficial deposition of electronically functional materials/compounds onto fabric substrates would consequentially alter their intrinsic properties (e.g., softness, permeability, biocompatibility, etc.). To address this issue, here, a strategy to innervate arbitrary commercial fabrics with unique spirally-layered iontronic fibrous (SLIF) sensors is presented to realize both mechanical and thermal sensing functionalities without sacrificing the intrinsic fabric properties. The mechanical sensing function is realized via mechanically regulating the interfacial ionic supercapacitance between two perpendicular SLIF sensors, while the thermal sensing function is achieved based on thermally modulating the intrinsic ionic impedance in a single SLIF sensor. The resultant SLIF sensor-innervated electronic fabrics exhibit high mechanical sensitivity of 81 N-1, superior thermal sensitivity of 34,400 Ω °C-1, and more importantly, greatly minimized mutual interference between the two sensing functions. As demonstrations, various smart garments are developed for the precise monitoring of diverse human physiological signals. Moreover, artificial intelligence-assisted object recognition with high-accuracy (97.8%) is demonstrated with a SLIF sensor-innervated smart glove. This work opens up a new path toward the facile construction of versatile smart garments for wearable healthcare, human-machine interfaces, and the Internet of Things.

Effect of Compression Garments on Post-Abdominoplasty Outcomes: A systematic Review of the current Evidence.

Introduction: It is commonly believed that using abdominal binders or compression garments (CGs) after an abdominoplasty could encourage fluid to drain, which would prevent fluid from building up at the surgical site and reduce the risk of seroma and other similar problems. Objective: To evaluate the effect of the use of abdominal binders or CG on the post-operative outcomes following abdominoplasty. Design: Systematic review. Method: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to select relevant studies from 2004 to 2024. Data from the included studies were extracted to assess the quality and risk of bias using a modified Jadaad score. Main outcome: Post-operative seroma formation. Secondary outcome: Ventilatory function, intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), and subcutaneous edema were the outcomes of interest. Results: Only 5 trials totaling 130 patients were included in this review. Utilizing post-operative CG following abdominoplasty showed a non-significant tendency to decrease seroma development, ventilatory function, and subcutaneous edema. The limited evidence available also suggested that using post-operative CG increases IAP. Conclusion: Weak evidence supports the beneficial use of abdominal binders following abdominoplasty. Limitations: Low-quality scientific evidence available from the scant data and low caliber of the literature support the use of CG post-abdominoplasty. Therefore, unified outcome reporting and rigid randomized clinical trials are necessary to obtain valid data.

Objective multi-criteria decision-making for optimal firefighter protective clothing size selection.

Objectives. Addressing the prevalent issue of size misfits in large-scale issued firefighter uniforms due to diverse and complex body morphologies, this article presents an objective method for intelligent garment sizing matching without subjective weighting. Methods. The method employs criteria importance through inter-criteria correlation (CRITIC) and the catastrophe progression method (CPM) for more accurate and reliable sizing. Traditional methods, reliant on limited indicators such as height and chest girth and often subjectively determined by experts, are prone to reliability concerns. Matching decisions made based on our approach are evidence-based, transparent and reproducible, thus minimizing subjectivity and expert intervention. Results. A case study of 388 cases validates the method's efficacy in providing garment size recommendations, surpassing traditional experience-based approaches by reducing subjective bias. Conclusion. Despite some differences, the optimal alternatives for examinees are almost consistent across the different methods. Compared with traditional subjective weighting methods, this method has potential advantages in situations such as large-scale matching of firefighter protective clothing where individual customization or direct try-on is not feasible.

Design, Fabrication, and Evaluation of 3D Biopotential Electrodes and Intelligent Garment System for Sports Monitoring.

This study presents the development and evaluation of an innovative intelligent garment system, incorporating 3D knitted silver biopotential electrodes, designed for long-term sports monitoring. By integrating advanced textile engineering with wearable monitoring technologies, we introduce a novel approach to real-time physiological signal acquisition, focusing on enhancing athletic performance analysis and fatigue detection. Utilizing low-resistance silver fibers, our electrodes demonstrate significantly reduced skin-to-electrode impedance, facilitating improved signal quality and reliability, especially during physical activities. The garment system, embedded with these electrodes, offers a non-invasive, comfortable solution for continuous ECG and EMG monitoring, addressing the limitations of traditional Ag/AgCl electrodes, such as skin irritation and signal degradation over time. Through various experimentation, including impedance measurements and biosignal acquisition during cycling activities, we validate the system's effectiveness in capturing high-quality physiological data. Our findings illustrate the electrodes' superior performance in both dry and wet conditions. This study not only advances the field of intelligent garments and biopotential monitoring, but also provides valuable insights for the application of intelligent sports wearables in the future.

Utility of customized 3D compression mask with pressure sensors on facial burn scars: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: A pressure of approximately 15-25 mmHg is used for effective compression therapy to prevent and treat hypertrophic scar formation in patients with burns. However, conventional facial compression garments present challenges owing to inadequate pressure distribution in curved areas such as the cheeks, around the mouth, and the slope of the nose. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of a custom-made 3D compression mask equipped with pressure sensors to treat facial burn scars. METHODS: This single-blinded, prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted between May and October 2023, involving 48 burn scars in 12 inpatients with facial burns. We created the custom-made 3D compression mask equipped with pressure sensors, inner lined with biocompatible silicon, and a harness system using 3D printing technology, which can continuously monitor whether an appropriate pressure of 15-25 mmHg maintains. The biological scar properties, Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) scores in patients with facial burns were assessed before applying the compression mask and garment and at 4 and 12 weeks after application. RESULTS: Pre-application assessment of biological scar properties, VSS, and POSAS revealed no statistically significant differences between the 3D mask and control groups (p > 0.05 for all). Throughout the 12-week application, skin hydration and scar thickness significantly increased (p < 0.001) and reduced (p = 0.010), respectively, in the 3D mask group compared to the control group. Additionally, significant improvements in scar pliability (p = 0.004) and height (p = 0.009) of VSS, itching (p = 0.047), scar stiffness (p = 0.001), thickness (p = 0.011), and irregularity (p < 0.001) of POSAS-patient component, and scar thickness (p = 0.001), pliability (p = 0.012), and surface area (p = 0.027) of the POSAS-observer component were observed in 3D mask group throughout the 12-week application compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The customized 3D compression mask equipped with pressure sensors significantly improved scar thickness, skin hydration, and various assessment scale parameters throughout the 12-week application.

Development of a New Adjustable Compression Garment (McBoooon) Made of Non-Stretch Self-Adhesive Fabric.

Objectives: To assess the physical features and compression characteristics of a newly developed adjustable compression garment, McBoooon (Mc). Methods: Twelve healthy volunteers were recruited to assess the compression characteristics. The interface pressure (IP) was continuously measured to calculate the static (SSI) and dynamic stiffness indices (DSI). Additionally, the peak flow velocity (PV) of the popliteal vein during ankle dorsiflexion was measured using ultrasonography. Each parameter was compared between ASHIKA stockings (AS), Mc applied at the same resting pressure as AS (Mc1), and Mc applied at a resting pressure approximately twice that of Mc1 (Mc2). Results: SSI and DSI were significantly different, increasing in the order AS < Mc1 < Mc2 (p <0.01). Although the PV was significantly higher in the compression group than in the control group (p <0.05), no significant differences were found among the three groups. Conclusion: The physical features and compression characteristics of Mc were clarified. The high stiffness of this garment improves the adherence to compression therapy and contributes to the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency.

Benefits of an Adjustable Compression Garment System for the Reduction of Chronic Leg Oedema (ACROE Study).

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess whether a specific adjustable compression garment (ACG) system (Coolflex Standard Calf and Coolflex Standard Foot; Sigvaris Inc.) promotes self-care in patients with chronic leg oedema. Secondary aims were to assess the effectiveness of this ACG in reducing oedema, improving patient reported outcomes, and determining the patients' degree of satisfaction with the handling of the wrap. METHODS: This was a multicentre prospective observational study. The study included 99 adult patients aged 18 - 90 years presenting with chronic oedema of the lower extremity, which encompasses conditions such as lymphoedema, venous oedema, and phlebolymphoedema. At baseline, all patients received an ACG. After two to three days and after six weeks, their overall satisfaction with the therapy was assessed. Leg volume was determined in a contactless manner during the baseline and follow up visits. All patients completed the cross cultural adaptation of the Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Patients with Lymphoedema of the Lower Extremity in Germany (Lymph-ICF-UG). RESULTS: A total of 86 patients completed the study and were followed up for six weeks. At the final six week follow up, 82 (95.3%) of the 86 subjects indicated that they were able to put on the wrap independently or with a little help from relatives. The overall satisfaction rate was 88.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79.64 - 93.9%). The mean leg volume reduction from baseline to six weeks was -4.7% (95% CI -6.3 - -3.0%; p < .001). Lymph-ICF-UG scores and scores in all domains improved significantly from baseline to the final follow up. CONCLUSION: The ACG used in this study was found to promote self-care in a high proportion of patients with chronic leg oedema. A significant reduction in oedema was observed.

User Requirements and Perceptions of a Sensor System for Early Stress Detection in People With Dementia and People With Intellectual Disability: Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Timely detection of stress in people with dementia and people with an intellectual disability (ID) may reduce the occurrence of challenging behavior. However, detecting stress is often challenging as many long-term care (LTC) residents with dementia and residents with ID have communication impairments, limiting their ability to express themselves. Wearables can help detect stress but are not always accepted by users and are uncomfortable to wear for longer periods. Integrating sensors into clothing may be a more acceptable approach for users in LTC. To develop a sensor system for early stress detection that is accepted by LTC residents with dementia and residents with ID, understanding their perceptions and requirements is essential. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to (1) identify user requirements for a garment-integrated sensor system (wearable) for early stress detection in people with dementia and people with ID, (2) explore the perceptions of the users toward the sensor system, and (3) investigate the implementation requirements in LTC settings. METHODS: A qualitative design with 18 focus groups and 29 interviews was used. Focus groups and interviews were conducted per setting (dementia, ID) and target group (people with dementia, people with ID, family caregivers, health care professionals). The focus groups were conducted at 3 time points within a 6-month period, where each new focus group built on the findings of previous rounds. The data from each round were used to (further) develop the sensor system. A thematic analysis with an inductive approach was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The study included 44 participants who expressed a positive attitude toward the idea of a garment-integrated sensor system but also identified some potential concerns. In addition to early stress detection, participants recognized other potential purposes or benefits of the sensor system, such as identifying triggers for challenging behavior, evaluating intervention effects, and diagnostic purposes. Participants emphasized the importance of meeting specific system requirements, such as washability and safety, and user requirements, such as customizability and usability, to increase user acceptance. Moreover, some participants were concerned the sensor system could contribute to the replacement of human contact by technology. Important factors for implementation included the cost of the sensor system, added value to resident and health care professionals, and education for all users. CONCLUSIONS: The idea of a garment-integrated sensor system for early stress detection in LTC for people with dementia and people with ID is perceived as positive and promising by stakeholders. To increase acceptability and implementation success, it is important to develop an easy-to-use, customizable wearable that has a clear and demonstrable added value for health care professionals and LTC residents. The next step involves pilot-testing the developed wearable with LTC residents with dementia and residents with ID in clinical practice.

Effects of Ankle Compression Garments on Fatigue and Single-Leg Balance in Collegiate Basketball Players.

Basketball players are prone to ankle injuries. It is unclear if wearing ankle compression garments (CGs) can enhance balance control and time to fatigue in those athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of ankle CGs on both time to fatigue and single-leg balance. Sixteen Division II (D2) collegiate basketball players participated in the study. The Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) was used to assess ankle stability. Fatigue was induced through deficit heel raises, and single-leg balance was assessed with the Athletic Single Leg Stability Test (ASLST) of the Biodex Balance System. Ten out of 16 (62.5%) basketball players were classified as having chronic ankle instability (CAI). Wearing CGs did not significantly prolong the time to fatigue (P = .774), and participants with CAI and without CAI had a similar time to fatigue (P = .958). In addition, wearing CGs significantly worsened single-leg balance before fatigue (P = .021), but enhanced balance control after fatigue (P = .027). Results indicate a strong prevalence of CAI in collegiate basketball players, and wearing CGs may not be able to enhance single-leg balance before fatigue. Although participants who wore CGs did not significantly increase their time to fatigue, their single-leg balance significantly improved after fatigue. This finding suggests wearing ankle CGs may have the potential to remediate the impact of fatigue on balance control. Future studies with a larger sample size are needed to further examine the impact of wearing ankle CGs on fatigue and single-leg balance.

Optimization of Electrospun TORLON® 4000 Polyamide-Imide (PAI) Nanofibers: Bridging the Gap to Industrial-Scale Production.

Polyamide-imide (PAI) is an exceptional polymer known for its outstanding mechanical, chemical, and thermal resistance. This makes it an ideal choice for applications that require excellent durability, such as those in the aerospace sector, bearings, gears, and the oil and gas industry. The current study explores the optimization of TORLON® 4000 T HV polyamide-imide nanofibers utilizing needleless electrospinning devices, ranging from laboratory-scale to industrial-scale production, for the first time. The PAI polymer has been dispersed in several solvent systems at varying concentrations. The diameter of the electrospun PAI nanofibers ranged from 65.8 nanometers to 1.52 µm. Their filtering efficiency was above 90% for particles with a size of 0.3 microns. The TGA results proved that PAI nanofibers have excellent resistance to high temperatures up to 450 °C. The PAI nanofibers are ideal for hot air intake filtration and fire-fighter personal protection equipment applications.

Prevalence and barriers to early initiation of breastfeeding among urban poor full-time readymade garments working mothers: a mixed-methods study in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Early initiation of breastfeeding is the initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth, which plays a significant role in a born baby's growth and survival, however its prevalence and predictors among urban full-time readymade garments (RMG) working mothers are not investigated. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and factors affecting early initiation of breastfeeding among urban RMG working mothers. METHODS: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted between March 2023 and December 2023 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 452 full-time female RMG workers were included for the quantitative study. Qualitative study was carried out among 30 full-time female RMG workers, four female physicians who were employed in the RMGs, four RMG factory managers, and four local pediatricians. RESULTS: The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding was 40% among the women. It was significantly associated with various factors, including socio-cultural barriers, the advanced age of the mother (AOR 3.93, 95%CI 1.18, 13.04), lack of education (AOR 6.86, 95%CI 1.11, 42.49), lack of awareness, and cultural practices such as initiating goat milk and honey instead of breast milk. The absence of colostrum feeding (AOR 8.96, 95%CI 4.30, 18.70) and pre-lacteal feeding (AOR 0.06, 95%CI 0.03, 0.11) were significant baby feeding practice-related barriers to early initiation of breastfeeding. Maternal health factors, notably post-delivery sickness, cesarean delivery, and lack of breastmilk production, were revealed as a significant hindrance to the early initiation of breastfeeding explored from qualitative analysis. In addition, RMG factory-related factors that significantly affect early initiation of breastfeeding include a strong focus on production, a busy schedule, and a lack of initiative regarding the early initiation of breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding among RMG working women is poor. This study emphasizes the need for interventions that address specific challenges of early initiation of breastfeeding faced by working mothers in RMG sectors, including improved lactation education, increased awareness to mitigate cultural barriers, RMG factory-based initiatives to empower female workers early initiation of breastfeeding, and preparing early initiation of breastfeeding -friendly post-cesarean unit at the health care facility.

Investigation of readymade garment fit issues and analysis of anthropometric measurements of Ethiopian young men.

This paper presents analyses of anthropometric measurements of Ethiopian young men aged 18-30 years and draws implications for the improvement of the fit of readymade clothing. Thirty-five anthropometric dimensions of 4022 subjects were measured according to ISO 8559:2017. The anthropometric dimensions were described with mean, standard deviation, and some percentiles. Differences in the anthropometric measurements with the body mass index (BMI) and ethnicity of the subjects were examined by analysis of variances. Furthermore, differences in some anthropometric measurements from that of Indian and Greek young men of similar ages were tested by one-sample t-tests. The result showed that the average BMI of the subjects was 20.63 which is normal. Statistically significant mean differences were observed among the subjects with different BMIs and ethnicities in most of the anthropometric dimensions. The anthropometric measurements of the subjects were mostly larger than the Indians and smaller than the Greek men.

An investigation of fit problems with four readymade garments and analyses of anthropometric measurements of Ethiopian young men were conducted. Results indicated anthropometric differences with BMI and ethnicity, and across nations. This has practical implications for global clothing manufacturers to consider the anthropometric characteristics of target markets while manufacturing readymade garments.

A novel garment transfer method supervised by distilled knowledge of virtual try-on model.

Garment transfer can wear the garment of the model image onto the personal image. As garment transfer leverages wild and cheap garment input, it has attracted tremendous attention in the community and has a huge commercial potential. Since the ground truth of garment transfer is almost unavailable in reality, previous studies have treated garment transfer as either pose transfer or garment-pose disentanglement, and trained garment transfer in self-supervised learning, However, these implementation methods do not cover garment transfer intentions completely and face the robustness issue in the testing phase. Notably, virtual try-on technology has exhibited superior performance using self-supervised learning, we propose to supervise the garment transfer training via knowledge distillation from virtual try-on. Specifically, the overall pipeline is first to infer a garment transfer parsing, and to use it to guide downstream warping and inpainting tasks. The transfer parsing reasoning model learns the response and feature knowledge from the try-on parsing reasoning model and absorbs the hard knowledge from the ground truth. The progressive flow warping model learns the content knowledge from virtual try-on for a reasonable and precise garment warping. To enhance transfer realism, we propose an arm regrowth task to infer exposed skin. Experiments demonstrate that our method has state-of-the-art performance in transferring garments between persons compared with other virtual try-on and garment transfer methods.

An innovative flat-knit compression garment for lymphoedema patients led to better outcomes: a multicentre study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical performance, quality of life (QoL) and patient satisfaction with an innovative flat-knit compression garment for the daytime treatment of lymphoedema patients in daily routine. METHOD: In a prospective multicentre observational study, patients with leg or arm lymphoedema (stage I-II, International Society of Lymphology (ISL) standards, 2016) received a made-to-measure flat-knit compression class 2 JOBST Confidence (BSN-JOBST GmbH, Germany) thigh-high stocking or arm sleeve. Primary endpoint was the oedema status as determined by the mean sum of the circumferences at the beginning and the end of the wearing period. Secondary endpoints included QoL-related parameters and patient satisfaction with product features assessed through questionnaires. The observation period lasted three weeks. RESULTS: A total of 97 patients (87 females, 10 males), of which 65 had leg lymphoedema and 32 had arm lymphoedema, received the study device. The oedema status was effectively maintained (slight reduction in mean sum of circumferences by -3.1±7.3cm; p=0.0001). For QoL-related parameters, the patients reported fewer limitations in work, leisure and psychological wellbeing after wearing the stocking or arm sleeve (all p-values <0.0001). They also experienced less limitations in function and movement, feeling of tension and heaviness, and fewer difficulties wearing clothes, shoes, jewellery or watches at study end (all p-values <0.0001). In terms of pleasant feeling on the skin, moisture management, softness of material, range of motion, overall wearing comfort and heat build-up under the garment, patients were more satisfied with the tested compression garment than with previously worn compression garments (all p-values <0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, the tested innovative compression product increased patient satisfaction with the improved product features while the lymphoedema status was successfully maintained.

Positive Impact of a New Compressive Garment in Patients with Genital Lymphedema: OLYMPY Study.

Purpose: Genital lymphedema is a chronic debilitating condition associated with highly impaired health-related quality of life (QoL). This prospective multicenter study evaluated the use of a new compressive garment in patients with secondary and primary genital lymphedema. Methods: Thirty-two patients prospectively enrolled were advised to wear the compressive garment for 12 weeks (day and night). The primary endpoint was change in patient-reported QoL at 12 weeks via the patient global impression of change (PGI-C) instrument. Secondary outcomes included change in other QoL measures at 12 weeks (visual analog scale, Lymphedema Quality of Life Inventory [LyQLI], and EQ-5D questionnaires), lymphedema severity (genital lymphedema score [GLS]), and physician assessment (Clinical Global Impression-Improvement [CGI-I]). Safety and tolerability were also assessed. Results: After 12 weeks, improvement was reported in 78.6% of patients (PGI-C). Physician assessment (CGI-I) indicated clinical improvement in 82.8% of patients. Patient assessment of lymphedema symptoms showed a significant decrease in discomfort (p = 0.02) and swelling (p = 0.01). Significant declines in the mean global GLS (p < 0.0001), and in the proportion of patients reporting heaviness, tightness, swelling, or urinary dysfunction (p < 0.05 for all), were also observed. LyQLI scores decreased (indicating improved QoL) in each of the physical, psychosocial (p = 0.05), and practical domains. The compressive garment was well tolerated with high compliance, and adverse events (due to swelling or discomfort) led to permanent discontinuation in only three patients. Conclusion: The use of a new genital compression garment over 12 weeks improves the QoL and clinical measures in patients with genital lymphedema (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04602559; Registration: October 20, 2020).

Prevalence of occupational injuries and associated factors among workers of textile and garment factories during the era of COVID-19 pandemic in mekelle city, Northern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

Background and Aim: Occupational injury is any personal injury that can lead to disease, disability, or death due to accidents sustained by workers while performing their work. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational injuries and associated factors among workers of textile and garment factories in Mekelle City, Northern Ethiopia during the era of COVID-19. Methods: A cross-ectional study was conducted among 348 Textile and Garment factories in Mekelle City, Northern Ethiopia on September and October 2020. Data were collected using a semi-structured face-to-face interview questionnaire by trained data collectors and supervisors. Occupational injury was assessed by a yes/no question "Have you had any injury related to your occupation in the last 12 months?." Epi Data version 3.1 was used to enter data and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 was used for data analysis. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the independent determinants of occupational injury, and variables with p < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results: The annual prevalence rate of occupational injury among textile and garment factories was 27.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 23.2-32.9%). Factors like being a male (AOR = 3.65; 95% CI = 1.92-6.92), job satisfaction (AOR = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.11-0.43), sleeping disorder (AOR = 3.47; 95% CI = 1.91-6.32), job stress (AOR = 2.62; 95% CI = 1.44-4.73), and safety and health training (AOR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.22-0.74) were significantly associated with the occurrence of occupational injury. Conclusion: Expectedly, lockdown during COVID-19 could lead to absenteeism and reduced prevalence of occupational injuries as the outcome of this study.

Whole leg compression garments influence lower limb kinematics and associated muscle synergies during running.

The utilization of compression garments (CGs) has demonstrated the potential to improve athletic performance; however, the specific mechanisms underlying this enhancement remain a subject of further investigation. This study aimed to examine the impact of CGs on running mechanics and muscle synergies from a neuromuscular control perspective. Twelve adult males ran on a treadmill at 12 km/h, while data pertaining to lower limb kinematics, kinetics, and electromyography were collected under two clothing conditions: whole leg compression garments and control. The Non-negative matrix factorization algorithm was employed to extract muscle synergy during running, subsequently followed by cluster analysis and correlation analysis. The findings revealed that the CGs increased knee extension and reduced hip flexion at foot strike compared with the control condition. Moreover, CGs were found to enhance stance-phase peak knee extension, while diminishing hip flexion and maximal hip extension during the stance-phase, and the ankle kinematics remained unaltered. We extracted and classified six synergies (SYN1-6) during running and found that only five SYNs were observed after wearing CGs. CGs altered the structure of the synergies and changed muscle activation weights and durations. The current study is the first to apply muscle synergy to discuss the effect of CGs on running biomechanics. Our findings provide neuromuscular evidence for the idea of previous studies that CGs alter the coordination of muscle groups, thereby affecting kinematic characteristics during running.

Effects of a full-body electrostimulation garment application in a cohort of subjects with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and stroke on upper motor neuron syndrome symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: Dysfunction of the central nervous system may inflict spastic movement disorder (SMD). Electrical stimuli were identified as promising therapeutic option. Electrical stimulation provided by a 58-electrode full body garment was investigated based on data from regular trial fittings. METHODS: Data from 72 testees were investigated. Age averages 36.6 (19.8) ys with 44 females. The cohort spans infantile cerebral paresis (CP) (n=29), multiple sclerosis (MS) (n=23) and stroke (n=20). Data were stratified by etiology and an entry BBS Score<45. RESULTS: Effect sizes (Cohen`s d) related BBS, TUG, FGA, 10mWT, WMFT, EQ5D5L and Pain. Significance levels are indicated by *: p<0.05, **: p<0.01, ***: p<0.001, (t): p<0.1: CP: 1.64***, 0.29*, 1.59***, 0.76(t), 1.00***, 0.5*, 1.28***; MS: 1.83***, 0.83***, 1.28**, 1.07***, 0.93*, 1,11**, 0.78*; Stroke: 1.28**, 0.78**, 0.89, 0.92**, 0.71, 1.26*, 0.78*. CONCLUSIONS: Multi-site transcutaneous electrical stimulation may increase ambulation related skills in subjects with SMD stemming from CP, MS and stroke. The results indicate effects on static and dynamic balance, fall risk, mobility, upper extremity improvement and an overall increase in health utility and a reduction in spasticity related pain. Effects are immediate as well as sustained. These results may inspire individual trial fittings and inform further controlled trials.

Productivity improvement through assembly line balancing by using simulation modeling in case of Abay garment industry Gondar.

This study aims to balance the garment line of the polo shirt operation by utilizing line balancing techniques. These techniques are employed to enhance the efficiency and productivity of the Abay garment industry. Observational methods and stopwatch timing were employed to collect data on the processing times for each operation. Subsequently, the standard allowed minute was determined based on work measurement principles. To assess statistical significance and identify appropriate expressions for the existing simulation modeling, all collected data underwent statistical analysis using the Arena input analyzer. Moreover, Arena simulation software was employed in this research to simulate and evaluate the effectiveness of both the current and proposed polo shirt sewing line models. Building upon the existing model, alternative improved models were proposed. The alternative models yielded significant improvements in multiple performance metrics, including output, capacity utilization, waiting time in queues, and number of products waiting. These improvements indicate an increase in productivity resulting from the implementation of balanced production lines. The outcomes of the improved scenario included an increase in output from 288 to 381, a rise in line efficiency from 39.06 % to 55.64 %, and an enhancement in labor productivity from 54.25 % to 66 %. Additionally, the cost of labor was reduced by 15.63 %, while revenue experienced a notable increase of 30 %.