Hohenstein aims to optimise clothing for wheelchair athletes
16/11/2012
Studying male wheelchair basketball players and hand bikers, the study will provide research and data in a number of related areas, expected to be available to interested manufacturers from early 2014.
Project leader Anke Klepser explained: “By choosing these particular sports we are covering both indoor and outdoor sports, which means that our results can also be adapted to other sports disciplines. A further benefit is that we are examining two different body postures, the more horizontal body position of the hand bikers and the upright sitting position of the wheelchair basketball players and this enables any results to be easily transferred to other sports.”
The test persons were measured in a stationary 3D dodyscanner in their usual wheelchair and then also with a handscanner in their respective sports wheelchair.
One objective is to use the data to optimise the cuts and seam lines of sportswear as well as the ability of the textiles to absorb body sweat and divert it away from the body. Adapting the heat insulation of the materials to the specific requirements of the athletes is also an important consideration.
Ms Klepser added: "The clothing requirements for wheelchair athletes are extremely variable and complex. We hope that our data and information will form the basis for many optimised products which will make life easier for the athletes and will support them appropriately in their outstanding achievements.”
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