Researchers at are reshaping how compression garments are designed by focusing on how body tissues behave during movement. A new framework enables designers to predict garment-tissue interactions with greater precision, ensuring improved comfort and performance outcomes. The development addresses long-standing industry challenges that have limited effective compression wear and offers a more reliable basis for both sportswear and medical applications.
- Researchers confirmed that the system reduced common motion artefacts which had previously limited dynamic measurement reliability in compression garment studies.
- Validation demonstrated accuracy levels consistent across both static and dynamic tests, showing the framework’s robustness for applications in everyday sports activity.
- The method provides garment designers with quantitative insight into how pressure is distributed across body areas during complex athletic movement.
- The research findings have been published in a paper titled 'A novel anthropometric method to accurately evaluate tissue deformation' in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology.
THE STUDY: Researchers at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have addressed fundamental challenges in compression garment design by developing this systematic framework that combines image recognition algorithms with mechanical property testing to understand tissue-garment interactions. The method tackles longstanding issues with motion artefacts that have compromised measurement accuracy in previous methodologies, particularly when subjects were in motion rather than static positions.
- The framework incorporated digital imaging with mechanical testing, allowing researchers to synchronise fabric pressure data with observed tissue movement for precise modelling.
- Researchers demonstrated that by adjusting circumferential parameters in their model, garment prototypes could be digitally tested before physical production.
- The methodology allows customisation for garments beyond sportswear, extending to clinical applications where compression levels must be medically prescribed.
WHAT’S AT STAKE: Inaccurate deformation measurements have historically resulted in ill-fitting compression garments that compromise functionality, particularly affecting athletic performance and medical efficacy. This systematic measurement gap has limited designers' ability to create solutions that optimise both comfort and performance outcomes. The stakes extend beyond simple fit issues to encompass physiological effects including blood circulation, muscle support, and injury prevention capabilities.
- Compression garments with poor fit can undermine therapeutic effectiveness in post-surgical recovery where consistent pressure distribution is critical.
- Inaccurate sizing raises risks of reduced comfort and premature fatigue, affecting both professional athletes and general consumers during extended wear.
- Ill-fitting compression garments may restrict circulation instead of improving it, creating health risks contrary to intended medical benefits.
- Inconsistent garment effectiveness erodes consumer trust, limiting wider adoption of compression wear across athletic and healthcare markets.
THE RESULTS: Experimental testing produced several material-specific findings about how fabric properties influence tissue deformation, summarised in the results below:
- Leggings tested under controlled conditions revealed measurable deformation differences directly linked to fibre composition and fabric stiffness properties.
- The research demonstrated that small changes in fabric elasticity produced significant variation in localised tissue pressure response.
- Data confirmed that stiffer materials generated stronger deformation effects than fabrics with higher flexibility.
- Leggings made of 70% nylon and 30% spandex generated the highest deformation, while Polyester-Elastane combinations produced the least due to lower stiffness.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: The work brings together biomechanics, materials science, computing and engineering to address compression garment design. The methodology combines anthropometric methods with computational modelling, establishing a new approach for precision measurement in wearable technology development. The method reflects a wider industry move towards data-driven garment design in fashion and medical textile sectors.
- The framework is an application of biomechanical simulation tailored for textile applications, supporting ergonomic product development.
- Medical sectors could benefit from customised compression garments that align pressure distribution with individual patient recovery needs.
- Sports brands could use verified performance data to back product claims.
CASE IN POINT: Validation of the framework relied on controlled trials where athletes performed movements while wearing test garments fitted with sensors. This approach demonstrated how the method works under realistic conditions and established benchmarks for industry adoption. By focusing on validation rather than repeating outcome details, the study provided practical evidence that the system can be reliably integrated into design and production workflows.
- Trials captured dynamic body movement using synchronised imaging and pressure-sensing equipment.
- Data was benchmarked against 3D body scans to confirm accuracy under both static and active conditions.
- Testing protocols established repeatable procedures that garment developers can adopt without costly motion-capture systems.
