Donna Branson

Sensorial Comfort Part I: A Psychophysical Method for Assessing Moisture Sensation in Clothing

This study explores the feasibility of using psychophysical methods to assess one component of sensorial comfort—moisture sensation in clothing. We used the psy chophysical method of constant stimuli to assess the absolute and differenoe thresholds of moisture sensation in the upper back area of twelve female volunteers. Wetted fabric swatches applied to the skin served as the stimuli. The psychometric functions demonstrating the relationship between moisture and moisture sensation for these determinations exhibited linear trends similar to those found in other areas of sensory testing using psychophysical methods. We anticipate that this study will provide the first step in a programmatic research effort using psychophysical methods to assess the contribution of moisture sensation as well as other sensorial comfort factors to judgments of clothing comfort.

Sensorial Comfort Part II: A Magnitude Estimation Approach for Assessing Moisture Sensation 1

This study was part of an overall effort to explore the feasibility of using psycho physical methods to assess one component of sensorial comfort, moisture sensation in clothing, We have used a psychophysical approach to assess the relationship between moisture stimulus intensity and moisture sensation in subjects for one body location and using one fabric type. Thirteen subjects used the method of magnitude estimation to assess the intensities of moisture stimuli applied to their backs; there were highly significant differences between magnitude estimates of the moisture levels. Results showed that subjects were in good agreement on the rank order of the moisture levels. The relationship between moisture stimulus and moisture sensation demonstrated a psychophysical power function. Magnitude estimation offers the clothing comfort in vestigator the advantage of maintaining closer correspondence between objective and subjective measures over the usual psychological scaling methods used.

Assessing Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Using a Web-Based Curriculum for Students.

Abstract Critical thinking skills lead to more productive, prepared, and employable students in the workforce. In view of the skills that are necessary when students enter the job market, a Web-based curriculum requiring critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills was developed to meet those needs. A multidisciplinary team of educators created the “virtual exchange,” in which students are presented with scenarios involving relevant societal issues. Each student is assigned a scenario character to portray in their interactions with the other characters (students). They interact on the Internet to promote critical thinking skills in a “virtual exchange” of research-based ideas. The process used to design this exchange is discussed.

Fabric Selection for a Liquid Cooling Garment

The selection of an inner fabric layer is an important aspect in the development of a liquid cooling garment (LCG). The desired characteristics of an inner fabric layer in LCGs include good thermal conductivity, moisture management, and tactile properties. Good thermal conductivity can improve cooling efficiency, and good moisture management and tactile properties can make the wearer more comfortable. Eighteen fabrics that differed in fiber content, fabric structure and thickness were investigated in this study for their suitability for use as an inner fabric layer for a LCG. Thermal resistance, evaporative resistance, wicking, and water distribution were measured. Correlation among the three moisture management tests was studied. The effects of metal-containment and fabric thickness on thermal and evaporative resistance were determined. The most suitable fabric among the 18 tested fabrics was selected in this study.

Impact of ballistic body armour and load carriage on walking patterns and perceived comfort

This study investigated the impact of weight magnitude and distribution of body armour and carrying loads on military personnels walking patterns and comfort perceptions. Spatio-temporal parameters of walking, plantar pressure and contact area were measured while seven healthy male right-handed military students wore seven different garments of varying weight (0.06, 9, 18 and 27 kg) and load distribution (balanced and unbalanced, on the front and back torso). Higher weight increased the foot contact time with the floor. In particular, weight placement on the non-dominant side of the front torso resulted in the greatest stance phase and double support. Increased plantar pressure and contact area observed during heavier loads entail increased impact forces, which can cause overuse injuries and foot blisters. Participants reported increasingly disagreeable pressure and strain in the shoulder, neck and lower back during heavier weight conditions and unnatural walking while wearing unbalanced weight distributed loads. This study shows the potentially synergistic impact of wearing body armour vest with differential loads on body movement and comfort perception. Practitioner Summary: This study found that soldiers should balance loads, avoiding load placement on the non-dominant side front torso, thus minimising mobility restriction and potential injury risk. Implications for armour vest design modifications can also be found in the results.

Development of a Sports Bra Prototype Patternworks International Best Solution to a Patternmaking Problem, 2000

Studies have confirmed that many women, particularly larger busted women, experience breast discomfort while exercising, causing some to avoid exercise all together. The purpose of this study was to use a systematic design process that incorporated conducting several research studies as input to the development of a prototype sports bra for large-busted women. The resulting prototype sports bra, developed by draping and flat pattern, was designed to resolve specific comfort, support, and aesthetic issues reported by large-busted women. Fabric choices, design modifications, and fabric layering were used to accommodate these specific issues. A performance evaluation wear study of the prototype bra and two other sports bras was completed in July 2002.

Pesticide Deposition Patterns On Garments During Air Blast Field Spraying

This field study determined the patterns of pesticide deposition on garments worn by subjects spraying pesticides under typical use conditions. Fluorescein dye was added to the air-blast sprayer for ultraviolet visual analysis and color- metric analytical techniques. Both analyses revealed highest areas of deposition to be: the head, front and back upper torso, and front upper legs. Results were compared with previous research defining pesticide absorption rates of different body sites. Specifications for garment design and applicator dressing were de termined. The methodology provides a technique for impact analysis of other functional apparel design problems.

Effect of armor and carrying load on body balance and leg muscle function

This study investigated the impact of weight and weight distribution of body armor and load carriage on static body balance and leg muscle function. A series of human performance tests were conducted with seven male, healthy, right-handed military students in seven garment conditions with varying weight and weight distributions. Static body balance was assessed by analyzing the trajectory of center of plantar pressure and symmetry of weight bearing in the feet. Leg muscle functions were assessed by analyzing the peak electromyography amplitude of four selected leg muscles during walking. Results of this study showed that uneven weight distribution of garment and load beyond an additional 9 kg impaired static body balance as evidenced by increased sway of center of plantar pressure and asymmetry of weight bearing in the feet. Added weight on non-dominant side of the body created greater impediment to static balance. Increased garment weight also elevated peak EMG amplitude in the rectus femoris to maintain body balance and in the medial gastrocnemius to increase propulsive force. Negative impacts on balance and leg muscle function with increased carrying loads, particularly with an uneven weight distribution, should be stressed to soldiers, designers, and sports enthusiasts.

Multimedia and Problem-Based Instruction in the Textiles Laboratory

Historically, textile laboratory content has been delivered via a traditional approach called expository instruction and was designed to allow large numbers of students to perform activities simultaneously within a short time. An innovative learning method, problem-based learning (PBL), has been successful in teaching non-biological sciences. Evidence suggests multimedia learning environments facilitate the development of independent, self-regulated thinking. To evaluate the potential for PBL and multimedia as instructional strategies in the textile laboratory, a 2X2 factorial design with a quasi-experimental approach was used. One factor, at two levels, was the use and non-use of multimedia laboratory materials; the second, at two levels, was the instructional approach, PBL and expository. A total of 155 students in four sections participated for a total of eight sections across two semesters. Based on mean section grade point averages, the two treatments (PBL and multimedia) had a positive effect.

Effect of Glove Liners on Sweat Rate, Comfort, and Psychomotor Task Performance1:

Military subjects participated in a study to evaluate four glove liners worn beneath chemical protective gloves, with regard to sweating of the hands, manual dexterity performance, and perceived comfort in a moderate thermal environment. Although there was a trend for subjects wearing the standard Army liner to experience the lowest sweat rate, the liner effect was not significant due to individual variation. No liner differences were found for manual dexterity performance, hand skin temperature, perceived temperature, and thermal comfort. Differences by liner were found for tactile descriptors used to assess liner comfort. Skin temperature, perceived temperature, and perceived thermal discomfort increased over the duration of the two-hour test, regardless of the liner worn.