Fit evaluation of sportswear for Belgian elite male rowers in static and dynamic rowing postures

Simona-Ileana Vasile ,Alexandra De Raeve ,Joris Cools ,Benny Malengier ,Frank Deruyck

doi:10.1088/1757-899x/827/1/012024

Simona-Ileana Vasile , Alexandra De Raeve + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899x/827/1/012024

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Abstract

The main objective of the SHAPE study was to assess the anthropometry of elite male rowers and develop customized size charts and sportswear with adequate fit in static and dynamic rowing postures. This paper briefly discusses the anthropometry of Belgian elite male rowers and focuses on the fit features of a related unisuit called SHAPE which is compared against a reference (SMARTFIT) with similar materials and design, whereof the garment construction is based on body charts of average Belgian males. Four elite male rowers evaluated both unisuits in garment size 52 and 58. Most of the ten fit features investigated for SHAPE unisuit were allocated average scores between 3 (adequate fit) and 4 (very good fit). In static posture, the overall fit of the SHAPE unisuit was found slightly better than of SMARTFIT unisuit (average score 3.8 and 3.1 respectively). Unlike SMARTFIT, SHAPE unisuit based on rowers body dimensions scored equally well in static and dynamic rowing postures catch and finish and will likely successfully accommodate repetitive sport movements.

Highlights

To ensure great freedom of movement, perfect fit and comfort, regardless of any sport-specific movement, sportwear shall consider body proportions and shape of elite athletes who categorically differ from the average population
This paper briefly discusses the anthropometry of Belgian elite male rowers and focuses on the fit features of a related unisuit called SHAPE which is compared against a reference (SMARTFIT) with similar materials and design, whereof the garment construction is based on body charts of average Belgian males
This paper briefly discusses the anthropometry of Belgian elite male rowers assessed by 3D body scanning and zooms in on fit features of related SHAPE unisuit which were evaluated in static and dynamic rowing postures

Summary

Introduction

To ensure great freedom of movement, perfect fit and comfort, regardless of any sport-specific movement, sportwear shall consider body proportions and shape of elite athletes who categorically differ from the average population. The main objective of the SHAPE study [8] was to develop sportswear with adequate fit in both static and dynamic rowing postures. The anthropometry of Belgian elite male rowers (age 18-35 years) was first assessed using a 3D body scanning technique and eventually customized size charts were developed. This study quantified the influence of the catch and finish rowing postures on selected body measurements and investigated the fit of the corresponding sportswear [9]. This paper briefly discusses the anthropometry of Belgian elite male rowers assessed by 3D body scanning and zooms in on fit features of related SHAPE unisuit which were evaluated in static and dynamic rowing postures.

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