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      Design and development of auxetic structures for enhancing ergonomic comfort in women’s intimate apparel (brassiere)

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          Abstract

          Brassiere straps are commonly perceived as one of the most irritating and uncomfortable components of a brassiere, especially for women with heavier breasts. This study aimed to design and developed auxetic structures to enhance the ergonomics of intimate apparel. The brassiere straps were developed by using textured polyester and nylon yarns with auxetic weave structures in two different widths. Tests were conducted to evaluate Poisson’s ratio, tensile strength, and pressure distribution properties and overall ergonomics of developed straps. Subjective analysis was also performed by conducting wear trials. The development of polyester straps yielded excellent results compared to nylon. In the subjective analysis, the selected polyester sample consistently performed better than others, significantly enhancing ergonomics comfort, fit, and psychological comfort according to respondents’ preferences. Based on the results, Auxetic structure can be a better alternative for brassiere straps in active wear to avoid related health problems and to improve women’s experience.

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          Most cited references14

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          Auxetic Materials: Functional Materials and Structures from Lateral Thinking!

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            A critical review on physical factors and functional characteristics that may explain a sex/gender difference in work-related neck/shoulder disorders.

            The objective of this paper is to critically review recent literature on physical and functional sex/gender (s/g) differences, with focus on physical determinants associated with neck/shoulder musculoskeletal injuries. It is well known that there are s/g differences in anthropometrical and functional body characteristics (e.g. size and strength). However, s/g differences may be wrongly attributed if data analysis does not include appropriate corrections (e.g. by strength for endurance). Recent literature on motor control shows that there may indeed be s/g differences in muscle coordination and movement strategies during upper limb tasks that are not currently explained by methodological inadequacies. Moreover, recent studies have shown differences between men and women in sensory hypersensitivity characteristics associated with neck/shoulder injuries. Taken together, the literature points to the importance of accounting for possible s/g differences at all levels of the biopsychosocial system in order to better understand sex- and gender-specific issues relevant to workplace health.
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              Gender differences in workers with identical repetitive industrial tasks: exposure and musculoskeletal disorders.

              For unknown reasons, females run a higher risk than males of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether male and female workers, with identical repetitive work tasks, differ concerning risk of disorders, physical or psychosocial exposures. Employees in two industries were studied; one rubber manufacturing and one mechanical assembly plant. These industries were selected since in both, large groups of males and females worked side by side performing identical repetitive work tasks. Physical exposure was measured by technical equipment. Postures and movements were registered by inclinometry for the head and upper arms, and by electrogoniometry for the wrists. Muscular activity (muscular rest and %max) was registered by surface electromyography for m. trapezius and the forearm extensors (18 males and 19 females). Psychosocial work environment was evaluated by the demand-control-support model (85 males and 138 females). Musculoskeletal disorders were assessed (105 males and 172 females), by interview (last 7-days complaints), and by physical examination (diagnoses). Concerning physical exposure, females showed higher muscular activity related to maximal voluntary contractions [(%MVE); m. trapezius: females 18 (SD 9.2), males 12 (SD 4.3); forearm extensors: females 39 (SD 11), males 27 (SD 10), right side, 90th percentile]. Working postures and movements were similar between genders. Also, concerning psychosocial work environment, no significant gender differences were found. Females had higher prevalences of disorders [complaints: age-adjusted prevalence odds ratio (POR) 2.3 (95% CI 1.3-3.8) for neck/shoulders, 2.4 (1.4-4.0) for elbows/hands; diagnoses: neck/shoulder 1.9 (1.1-3.6), elbows/hands 4.1 (1.2-9.3)]. In 225 workers, PORs were adjusted for household work, personal recovery and exercise, which only slightly affected the risk estimates. In identical work tasks, females showed substantially higher muscular activity in relation to capacity, and higher prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and upper extremity, than did males.
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                Author and article information

                Contributors
                Journal
                Journal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics
                Journal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics
                SAGE Publications
                1558-9250
                1558-9250
                January 2023
                December 25 2023
                January 2023
                : 18
                Affiliations
                [1 ]Department of Clothing, National Textile University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
                [2 ]Department of Textile Engineering, National Textile University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
                Article
                10.1177/15589250231219760
                2fae47b3-9cae-450e-8ca6-de1a32c062f3
                © 2023

                https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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