Theoretical Compression Modeling for Engineering Fit in Lower Limb Compression Garments

Team: Eric Beaudette - Ph.D. Candidate in Human Factors and Ergonomics, Prof. Lucy Dunne - Faculty Advisor

Program: Wearable Technology Lab

How can theoretical compression modeling be used for efficiently creating and evaluating lower limb compression garment sizing systems?

Defining “fit” is imperative for evaluating how well a wearable’s measurements and proportions accommodate various type of body shapes, and inform the sizing needed to include the target population. A “proper fit” as it is colloquially defined in society for clothing may not extend to wearable device design, where a more contextual “functional fit” may be necessary for on-body devices. Compression garments are used for both athletic and medical applications, and, even without considering effects of dynamic postures, offer variable compression across end users. 

Developing a sizing system based on functional fit parameters becomes difficult when materials and garment dimensions play a major role in on-body compression. This research builds off of prior work in theoretical compression modeling and optimization algorithms to 1) assess the potential to generate specifications of lower limb compression garments based on textile, garment type, and number of sizes, and 2) explore the benefits and drawbacks for improved sizing systems based on optimization approaches for medical applications. This research uses the CAESAR anthropometric database to extract measurements of 74 scans using Rhino in order to create and test theoretical sizing systems.