A novel design approach and ergonomic evaluation of Class I compression legging
International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology
ISSN: 0955-6222
Article publication date: 21 October 2021
Issue publication date: 11 March 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The conception of a compression garment that applies a desired interface pressure level has been a great challenge for therapists and compression garment manufacturers even today. The purpose of this study is to develop a new method for designing a compression legging that exerts Class I interface pressure to the lower limb.
Design/methodology/approach
This research presents a new method for the design of Class I compression garment. It consists of theoretically calculating the circumferences of the Class I compression legging based on the reduction factors. To assess the effectiveness of the method, we used both objective and subjective evaluations. For the objective evaluation, we have developed a measuring device to measure Class I legging interface pressure in different measuring points using a force pressure sensor. Concerning the subjective evaluation, 10 healthy female subjects agreed to take part in this study in order to evaluate the ergonomic comfort when wearing the designed compression legging.
Findings
Participating subjects delivered their feeling about comfort and motion restriction during the use of the legging. Referring to the volunteers’ answers, the Class I compression legging can be described as comfortable and has a satisfactory fit during wear.
Originality/value
The important feature of this study was the effectiveness of the new designing method in producing a compression legging that delivers the desired amount of pressure and offers a comfort sensation during wear. The outcome of this research is a new method that could be used to create a variety of compression garments that can apply different pressure levels.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.
Citation
Barhoumi, H., Marzougui, S. and Abdessalem, S.B. (2022), "A novel design approach and ergonomic evaluation of Class I compression legging", International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, Vol. 34 No. 2, pp. 273-284. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCST-11-2020-0179
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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