Posture modification effects using soft materials structures

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a textile component system that could be added to a compression garment to achieve body posture that more closely resembles an ideal balanced posture. The approach of this study was to find a middle ground of posture correctors and compression garments by combining structural support elements with garment compression to achieve effective posture modification as well as comfort. To achieve this goal, a Posture Modification System using Soft materials structures (PMSS) was developed by experimenting with textile elastic bands to mimic the structure and placement of anatomical postural features (muscles and spinal column) of a woman’s back torso. For prototype development, a bodysuit type shapewear garment was used to incorporate the PMSS and a wear test with female participants was conducted. To assess posture changes through body angles, participants were 3D scanned and questionnaires were administered to determine wearer acceptability. Body angle assessment indicated that wearing the prototype positively affected posture changes including more balanced shoulders, more aligned lateral center of gravity, and straighter spine. As assessed with a questionnaire, the prototype achieved higher wearer acceptability in terms of posture, body shape, and fit compared to the shapewear without the PMSS. This study shows the potential of developing the soft structural posture modification system for use beyond the lingerie category. Furthermore, more aligned postures exhibited by participants wearing the PMSS enhanced garment while carrying loads indicate potential in developing soft-structured posture support garments for load-bearing situations in industrial and military settings.