Contribution of Ergonomics and Anthropometry in the Design of Hospital Clothing for Prevention of Pressure Ulcers in Patients with Reduced Mobility

Abstract

Patients with reduced mobility resulting from physical/motor impairments, or even as a result of prolonged stays in hospital beds, are prone to various changes in their human body systems, namely the development of wounds, which can quickly evolve into pressure ulcers. Clothing (pajamas) as an essential item for users, will be in direct contact with the skin, also for long periods. The posture adopted in the different resting positions will influence the interaction between body and clothing, which, consequently, will have an effect on the users’ bodies. Understanding these body changes, meaning the changes in anthropometric measurements according to the adopted posture, is relevant in the product development phase. The objective of this study is to investigate and develop a typology of functional hospital clothing for the prevention of pressure ulcers, adapted to users with reduced mobility, which is able to respond to needs in terms of anthropometry, ergonomics, comfort, and usability. Through the virtual simulation of the 3D CAD system CLO 3D, the behavior of the fabric in relation to the body and the forces of tension, compression, adjustment, and pressure points were evaluated using visual resources.

Keywords: Ergonomic comfort, Anthropometry, Body posture, Body measurements variation, 3D CAD Systems

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1003323