Deformation of soft tissues during body movement has always been a significant obstacle in achieving the perfect fit and comfort in garments, especially in sportswear and functional medical wear.
A groundbreaking anthropometric method has been developed by Prof. Joanne YIP and her research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, using image recognition algorithms to accurately measure tissue deformation and minimize motion-related errors.
Utilizing the Boussinesq solution and elastic theory, the team created an analytical model to predict tissue deformation. This innovation, combined with image recognition algorithms, quantifies tissue deformation during movement, addressing a longstanding challenge in sportswear and wearable tech design.
Their research has been featured in a paper titled “A novel anthropometric method to accurately evaluate tissue deformation” in the journal Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology.
The inaccuracies in measuring tissue deformation during motion often result in ill-fitting garment designs that compromise functionality. This innovative approach tackles the issue by minimizing motion artifacts and establishing a systematic framework to correlate garment pressure with tissue response, essential for enhancing the effectiveness of wearables.
Soft tissue deformation plays a crucial role in appearance, comfort, performance, and physiological effects such as blood circulation and muscle support.
By integrating mechanical property testing, the method accurately predicts tissue deformation. Validation against body scanning measurements revealed deviations within 1.15 mm under static conditions and 2.36 mm in dynamic conditions. This high level of precision equips designers with reliable data reflecting soft tissue deformation accurately.
Prof. Joanne Yip stated, “Our technology is highly adaptable to compression-based garments, including sportswear such as leggings and functional medical wear like compression stockings and post-surgical garments. The analytical model can be tailored to different garment types by adjusting parameters like material mechanical properties and circumferential dimensions.”
Experimental samples included sports leggings with varying material mechanical properties, pattern designs, and circumferential dimensions.
Research outcomes provide valuable insights linking material properties to garment fit and performance. This framework not only advances biomechanical simulation techniques for wearable applications but also offers a practical tool for optimizing sportswear ergonomics, facilitating data-driven design of compression garments that enhance athletic performance and prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
This innovative technology shows promising potential for the industry, offering feasible and cost-effective applications. It can be integrated into existing CAD/CAM systems to streamline prototyping and reduce reliance on trial-and-error methods.
By quantifying individual tissue response, this technique supports personalized garment design, particularly beneficial for medical compression wear customized to specific patient requirements.
Moreover, the image-based tools reduce the need for expensive motion-capture systems, making the approach accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises.
More information:
Chongyang Ye et al, A novel anthropometric method to accurately evaluate tissue deformation, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (2025). DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2025.1632806
Citation:
Precise tissue deformation measurement technique promises better-fitting sportswear and medical apparel (2025, September 3)
retrieved 3 September 2025
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