Search Results (88)

Traditional ready-to-wear garments can mostly not conform to different body shapes because of the adoption of the generic sizing system, which leads to the local strain of concentration and morphological misfit. Auxetic structures, which have a negative Poisson’s ratio, permit enhanced redistribution of stress and geometry and allow deformation. Two auxetic knitted structures were developed by using 100% polyester and 100% nylon yarns with a fabric density of 41 Wales and 40 courses per inch. Characterization of the initial fabrics involved checking the behavior of negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) where the polyester line (P1) structure shows the highest auxeticity, with a NPR of approximately −0.4 and peak strain reductions of 80–90%, as well as air permeability, moisture management, bend test, compression, roughness, friction properties and stiffness tests to check the mechanical and comfort-related performances. The standardized tunic garment was modeled in CLO 3D on three female body shapes—hourglass, pear and rectangle—with a constant size of 34. The fit map showed a strain of 91.49% in auxetic and 509.75% in single-jersey fabric at the hip area of the pear body shape when measuring fabric and body interaction. The findings indicate lower peak strain levels, which ascertain that increased adaptability is possible and support its use in the development of adaptive ready-to-wear garments. Full article

A recent umbrella review evaluated evidence-based interventions for children with developmental central hypotonia, including those with Down syndrome. Motor, sensorimotor, orthotics, positioning, mobility, and infant massage interventions are supported by positive but low- or very-low-quality evidence. Using a retrospective case report format, these interventions are described, and their proposed mechanism of action is examined through the F-words lens tool and from the perspective of the parent. Tummy time, compression garments, early supported sitting for grasp and reach, ON-Time use of a supported stepping device, and orthotics are all used in the context of coaching in natural environments and family-centered care. Full article

There is some evidence to indicate that lower-body compression garments aid recovery from exercise by improving sleep quality, but this evidence is based on measures derived from self-reports and accelerometers. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of wearing lower-body compression tights to bed on sleep following a bout of exercise, using the gold standard for sleep measurement. Twelve healthy males participated in a within-subjects, counterbalanced, randomized study with two conditions: (i) Treatment—wearing compression tights to bed after exercise, and (ii) Control—not wearing compression tights to bed after exercise. In both conditions, participants completed 40 min of moderate-intensity exercise in the afternoon and had a 9 h sleep opportunity at night. Objective and subjective assessments of sleep were obtained using polysomnography and visual analogue scales, respectively. Wearing compression tights to bed did not affect the objective measures, including sleep onset latency (p = 0.572); sleep efficiency (p = 0.754); total sleep time (p = 0.953); amount of slow-wave sleep (p = 0.374); and amount of rapid eye movement sleep (p = 0.638). Furthermore, wearing compression tights to bed did not affect the subjective measures, including sleep quality (p = 0.549), comfort (p = 0.548), and pain (p = 0.838). Wearing lower-body compression tights to bed after moderate-intensity exercise does not improve the quantity or quality of sleep obtained. Athletes who choose to wear compression tights to bed for the perceived benefits for recovery after exercise can do so without any undue effects on sleep. Full article

The rapid growth of textile waste generation, with more than 87% of discarded textiles worldwide being landfilled or incinerated, together with the extensive consumption of concrete in the construction industry, has intensified research into alternative materials capable of reusing waste without compromising concrete performance. In this context, this study evaluates the incorporation of recycled cotton textile fibers obtained from discarded garments into conventional non-structural concrete, focusing on its axial compressive behavior. Concrete mixtures were produced with fiber contents of 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 5.0%, designed for a target compressive strength of 20.594 MPa and tested in accordance with ASTM standards. The results show that concrete containing 0.5% cotton fibers achieved 28-day compressive strength values comparable to those of the reference mix, remaining within the typical variability of concrete testing, while mixtures with fiber contents of 1.0% and 5.0% exhibited pronounced strength reductions, reaching approximately 12.494 MPa and 8.270 MPa, respectively. These findings suggest that recycled cotton fibers at low dosages (0.5%) do not significantly affect compressive strength and could be incorporated as a supplementary addition in non-structural concrete, provided that appropriate mix design and processing conditions are maintained. Full article

Compression garments are widely employed in medical and sports contexts for their ability to promote venous return, manage oedema, support musculoskeletal function, and enhance athletic recovery. Advances in textile-based compression systems have been driven by innovations in fibres, yarn structures, fabric structure engineering, and design methods. This review critically examines the current literature on compression garments, highlighting the influence of raw materials and yarn architectures on performance, durability, and wearer comfort. Attention is given specially to fabric structures and manufacturing methods, where the evolution from traditional cut-and-sew methods to advanced seamless, flatbed, and circular knitting technologies is highlighted, along with their impact on pressure distribution and overall garment efficacy. The integration of 3D body scanning, finite element analysis, and predictive modelling, which enables more personalised and precise garment design, is also speculated upon. Moreover, the review highlights testing and evaluation methodologies, spanning both in vivo and in vitro based assessments, pressure sensor studies for real-time monitoring, and theoretical models mostly based on Laplace’s law. This literature survey provides a foundation for future innovations aimed at optimising compression garment design for both therapeutic and athletic use. Full article

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common peripheral vascular condition characterised by the retrograde blood flow in the lower extremities and its consequences such as oedema and other complications. Clinical severity of CVI is assessed according to the CEAP (Clinical, Etiological, Anatomic, and Physiopathologic) classification, which recognises seven grades of increasing clinical severity (C₀–C₆). Compression therapy aims to accelerate vein, lymph, and microcirculation flow and therefore reduce chronic nonbacterial inflammation and oedema of the extremities. In accordance with the elasticity and stiffness, compression bandages and garments are divided into short-stretch and long-stretch compression materials. Compression therapy is applicable in all stages of CVI. Moreover, compression therapy in conjunction with physical therapy and lifestyle modifications is more effective in reducing oedema, preventing venous distension, and reducing venous wall tension, all while improving calf muscle pump function. Physical therapy in CVI treatment combines everyday lifestyle modifications, physical activity, medical exercise, sports activity, hydrotherapy, and electrotherapy. Therefore, physical therapy is used either for prevention or either for therapeutic purposes in CVI. For grades CEAP C₀–C_2, preventive measures consist of education and counselling, medical exercise and general fitness, and sports and physical activities. However, for therapy in grades CEAP C₃–C₆, medical exercise and a specific rehabilitation programme, manual lymphatic drainage and massage, balneotherapy, and electrotherapy are recommended. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite the popularity of vascularized lymph node transfers (VLNTs) for treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), the comparative effectiveness of VLNT placement locations is unknown. In this meta-analysis, we examined the impact of VLNT recipient site (proximal vs. distal vs. dual) and adjunct surgical techniques, including scar release, supercharging, and intervention timing on patient outcomes. Methods: PRISMA-guided search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase (January 2015–March 2025). Patient outcomes including limb circumference/volume reduction, cellulitis frequency, compression garment discontinuation, and patient satisfaction were analyzed. Subgroup analyses assessed node placement, scar release, supercharging, and timing. Results: A total of 1440 patients were analyzed (proximal 63.8%; distal 29.2%; dual 7.0%). No significant differences in mean volume/circumference reductions, patient satisfaction rates, and compression garment discontinuation were observed amongst placement strategies (p > 0.30). Adjunct scar release (65%) was associated with significantly greater patient satisfaction (p = 0.04) and showed trends toward improved volume reduction and compression discontinuation. Earlier intervention (<5 years from diagnosis) showed improved volume reduction, patient satisfaction, and compression discontinuation. Longitudinal analysis revealed dual placement maintained superiority throughout a 12-month follow-up. Conclusions: VLNT is an effective treatment for BCRL regardless of placement location, with all strategies demonstrating substantial clinical improvements. While dual placement showed numerically superior outcomes across all measures, differences did not reach statistical significance due to limited number of studies. Adjunct scar release significantly improves patient satisfaction, and earlier intervention may optimize outcomes. These findings suggest that recipient site selection may be guided by technical factors, vessel availability, and patient preference rather than efficacy differences. Full article

Purpose: Despite significant attention being paid to compression garments (CG) in the sports field, there remains ongoing debate regarding their actual effectiveness in enhancing athletic performance and expediting post-exercise recovery. This article examines their various aspects, with a focus on CG design and the materials they are made of, aiming to analyze the importance of personalized compression strategies based on individual anthropometric measurements and non-linear compression designs. Methods: Using anthropometric analysis of 40 healthy participants, this study examines the morphological characteristics of the lower limb and their implications for CG design. Results: Measurements of limb length and circumferences revealed complex interactions among anatomical variables, emphasizing the need for customized and adaptable device design. Finite element simulations clarified the challenges in achieving uniform pressure gradients along the lower limb, highlighting the limitations of one-piece devices and suggesting tailored segmented designs for individual limb segments. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that one-piece devices often fail to provide optimal compression due to non-linear variations in limb dimensions. Conversely, segmented devices, particularly those with bilinear progression, exhibited superior performance in applying targeted compression across different limb segments. This more detailed approach to customization could significantly contribute to optimizing outcomes and user comfort. Full article

Optimal recovery supports health and enhances performance in soccer players, yet the empirical evidence on various recovery strategies in soccer is complex to interpret. This review aimed to summarize the literature on post-exercise recovery modalities in male and female soccer players of all ages and competition levels. Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, SPORTDiscuss, and Web of Science were systematically searched until 17 October 2023. Randomized controlled trials or within-subjects crossover design studies that examined the effects of post-exercise recovery interventions on physical, psychological, or performance outcomes in soccer players were included. A single reviewer extracted data and assessed study quality using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Overall, 41 studies were included in the final review. The recovery strategies represented in these studies were organized into the following categories: active recovery, blood flow restriction, cold water immersion, contrast water therapy, compression garments, active cool-down, cryotherapy, cold garments, sleep and daytime nap, pneumatic cooling, foam rolling, mindfulness interventions, nutritional intervention, and static stretching. The findings demonstrated that cold-water immersion consistently improved jump performance and perceptions of fatigue, soreness, and overall well-being. Other recovery strategies, such as active recovery, compression therapy, sleep interventions, and nutrition supplementation, also positively impacted recovery, albeit with varying levels of effectiveness and evidence. However, the studies exhibited heterogeneity in methods, outcome measures, and recovery intervention protocols, posing challenges for generalizability. This review summarizes recovery strategies for soccer players, emphasizing the need for practitioners, coaches, and athletes to individualize interventions based on athletes’ needs, preferences, and competition level. Full article

With the growing adoption of CLO 3D in the fashion industry and educational settings, the need for accurate material representation and fit simulation in virtual environments is increasing. This study aimed to evaluate whether CLO 3D, without the aid of physical samples, can reliably simulate clothing pressure for compression wear made from different materials. Unlike previous CLO 3D studies that focused on design or pattern accuracy, this study critically examined material-specific simulation limitations and proposed technical enhancements. Two types of leggings with varying spandex content were tested across five yoga poses using the CLO 3D software(version 2024.2.214). The results showed that CLO 3D did not detect differences in clothing pressure caused by variations in spandex content. Furthermore, the pressure values remained constant across different poses for both fabrics, failing to reflect realistic mechanical differences. The highest total clothing pressure was recorded in the Lunge pose (277.02 kPa), and the lowest in the Plow pose (241.37 kPa). These findings suggest that the current simulation engine lacks sensitivity to fabric-specific mechanical properties and movement-based variation. To address these limitations, this study proposes five optimization functions for CLO 3D, including material property input, technical textile databases, environmental condition settings, AI-based comfort prediction, and data management tools. These proposals are expected to strengthen the scientific validity, functional realism, and user-centered applicability of CLO 3D in designing sportswear, medical compression garments, and customized apparel. Full article

Extreme high-temperature environments pose challenges for human thermal comfort and safety. This study introduces a compact portable liquid cooling garment weighing 3.6 kg in total with an integrated 1.99 kg vapor compression refrigeration unit (172 mm × 80 mm × 130 mm). This system innovatively integrates a patented evaporator-pump module and an optimized miniature rotary compressor, achieving a 151 W cooling capacity at 55 °C ambient temperature, surpassing existing portable systems in compactness and performance. Human trials with eight male participants at 35 °C (walking) and 40 °C (sitting) demonstrated that the liquid cooling garment system significantly improved thermal comfort. The mean thermal comfort vote decreased from 2.63 (uncomfortable) to 1.13 (slightly uncomfortable) while walking and from 3.88 (very uncomfortable) to 1.25 (slightly uncomfortable) while sitting. The mean skin temperature in the final stable state was reduced by 0.34 °C in walking trials and 1.09 °C in sitting trials, and heart rate decreased by up to 10.2 bpm in sedentary conditions. Comprehensive human trials under extreme heat further validate this system’s efficacy. This lightweight, efficient system offers a practical solution for personal thermal management in extreme high-temperature environments, with potential applications in industrial safety, military operations, and emergency response. Full article

Background: In recent years, the use of compression garments has expanded into sports contexts to enhance performance and optimize post-exercise recovery. One of the most investigated physiological variables for evaluating their effectiveness has been peripheral muscle oxygenation, a crucial indicator of physical performance. However, studies regarding the effects of compression on the upper limbs remain limited and the topic is insufficiently explored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of compression garments on muscle oxygen saturation (SmO₂) recovery in the biceps brachii after brief maximal isometric contractions. Specifically, physiological responses were compared between two conditions (with and without compression garments), hypothesizing that compression would promote faster and more efficient muscle reoxygenation compared to traditional clothing. Methods: Fourteen male participants (mean age: 24.4 years; mean height: 176.75 cm; mean body mass: 73 kg) performed three 10 s isometric contractions separated by 180 s passive recovery periods under compression (CG) and non-compression (noCG) conditions. SmO₂ was monitored using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), assessing Half-Recovery Time (HRT), Overshoot Amplitude, Initial Slope, and the time constant τ. Results: The compression garment significantly reduced HRT (CG 8.52 s vs. noCG 10.21 s; p = 0.035), significantly increased Overshoot Amplitude (CG 21.40% vs. noCG 7.92%; p = 0.0014), resulted in a greater Initial Slope (CG 2.43%/s vs. noCG 2.09%/s; p = 0.027), and significantly reduced the time constant τ (CG 11.68 s vs. noCG 21.04 s; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The use of compression garments demonstrated significant improvements in post-exercise muscle oxygen saturation, suggesting potential advantages for muscle recovery and positive implications for athletic performance. Full article

Compression pants, as functional sportswear providing external pressure, are widely used to enhance athletic performance and accelerate recovery. However, systematic investigations into their effectiveness during anaerobic exercise and the impact of different pressure levels on performance and post-exercise recovery remain limited. This randomized crossover controlled trial recruited 20 healthy male university students to compare the effects of four garment conditions: non-compressive pants (NCP), moderate-pressure compression pants (MCP), high-pressure compression pants (HCP), and ultra-high-pressure compression pants (UHCP). Anaerobic performance was assessed through vertical jump, agility tests, and the Wingate anaerobic test, with indicators including time at peak power (TPP), peak power (PP), average power (AP), minimum power (MP), power drop (PD), and total energy produced (TEP). Post-exercise blood lactate concentrations and heart rate responses were also monitored. The results showed that both HCP and UHCP significantly improved vertical jump height (p < 0.01), while MCP outperformed all other conditions in agility performance (p < 0.05). In the Wingate test, MCP achieved a shorter TPP compared to NCP (p < 0.05), with significantly higher AP, lower PD, and greater TEP than all other groups (p < 0.05), whereas HCP showed an advantage only in PP over NCP (p < 0.05). Post-exercise, all compression pant groups recorded significantly higher peak blood lactate (Lamax) levels than NCP (p < 0.05), with MCP showing the fastest lactate clearance rate. Heart rate analysis revealed that HCP and UHCP induced higher maximum heart rates (HR_max) (p < 0.05), while MCP exhibited superior heart rate recovery at 3, 5, and 10 min post-exercise (p< 0.05). These findings suggest that compression pants with different pressure levels yield distinct effects on anaerobic performance and physiological recovery. Moderate-pressure compression pants demonstrated the most balanced and beneficial outcomes across multiple performance and recovery metrics, providing practical implications for the individualized design and application of compression garments in athletic training and rehabilitation. Full article

Pressure therapy combined with silicone has a significant effect on scar hyperplasia, but limitations such as long-term wearing of compression garments (CGs) can easily cause bacterial infection, cleanliness, and lifespan problems of CGs caused by the tedious operation of applying silicone. In this study, a compression garment fabric (CGF) with both inhibition of scar hyperplasia and antibacterial function was prepared. A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-loaded microcapsule (PDMS-M) was prepared with chitosan quaternary ammonium salt (HACC) and sodium alginate (SA) as wall materials and PDMS as core materials by the complex coagulation method. The PDMS-Ms were finished on CGF and modified with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) to obtain PDMS-M CGF, which was further treated with HACC to produce PDMS-M-HACC CGF. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy(XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the formation of covalent bonding between PDMS-M and CGF. The PDMS-M CGF exhibited antibacterial rates of 94.2% against Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli, AATCC 6538) and of 83.1% against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, AATCC 25922). The antibacterial rate of PDMS-M-HACC CGF against both E. coli and S. aureus reached 99.9%, with wash durability reaching grade AA for E. coli and approaching grade A for S. aureus. The finished CGF maintained good biocompatibility and showed minimal reduction in moisture permeability compared to unfinished CGF, though with decreased elastic recovery, air permeability and softness. The finished CGF of this study is expected to improve the therapeutic effect of hypertrophic scars and improve the quality of life of patients with hypertrophic scars. Full article

Burn injuries result in complex physiological and psychological sequelae, including hypermetabolism, muscle wasting, mobility impairment, scarring, and disrupted body image. While advances in acute care have improved survival, comprehensive rehabilitation strategies are critical for restoring function, appearance, and psychosocial well-being. Structured physical activity, including resistance and aerobic training, plays a central role in counteracting muscle atrophy, improving cardiovascular function, enhancing scar quality, and promoting psychological resilience and body image restoration. This narrative review synthesizes the current evidence on the effects of exercise-based interventions on post-burn recovery, highlighting their therapeutic mechanisms, clinical applications, and implementation challenges. In addition to physical training, emerging technologies such as virtual reality, aquatic therapy, and compression garments offer promising adjunctive benefits. Notably, artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining traction in burn rehabilitation through its integration into wearable biosensors and telehealth platforms that enable real-time monitoring, individualized feedback, and predictive modeling of recovery outcomes. These AI-driven tools have the potential to personalize exercise regimens, support remote care, and enhance scar assessment and wound tracking. Overall, the integration of exercise-based interventions with digital technologies represents a promising, multimodal approach to burn recovery. Future research should focus on optimizing exercise prescriptions, improving access to personalized rehabilitation tools, and advancing AI-enabled systems to support long-term recovery, functional independence, and positive self-perception among burn survivors. Full article