Researchers at PolyU have developed a groundbreaking anthropometric method to precisely measure soft tissue deformation during body movements, addressing a long-standing challenge in optimising garment fit and comfort for sportswear and medical compression garments. The difficulty in accurately capturing tissue changes while moving has often led to poor-fitting products that reduce performance and wearer comfort.

Led by Professor Joanne Yip, Associate Dean and Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles at PolyU, the research team used advanced image recognition algorithms to systematically assess tissue deformation while minimising errors caused by motion. They also created an analytical model based on elastic theory and stress function methodology, using the Boussinesq solution to predict how soft tissue deforms during movement. This method provides reliable, high-precision data that links garment pressure with tissue response.

Soft tissue deformation impacts not only the garment’s fit and appearance, but also its physiological effects, such as blood flow and muscle support. The team validated their measurements against body scans, achieving deviations of less than 1.15 mm when static and 2.36 mm during motion—a level of accuracy that promises to transform compression garment design. The technology is adaptable across different garment types, like sports leggings, compression stockings, and post-surgical wear, by adjusting parameters like material properties and dimensions.

Professor 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.”

Testing with various leggings highlighted how material differences and design affect fit and performance. This research offers practical tools for designers and biomechanical simulation techniques that optimise sportswear ergonomics. By providing data-driven insights, the innovation helps improve athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury.

This new technology can be integrated into existing CAD/CAM systems to streamline garment prototyping and reduce the dependency on trial and error. It also reduces reliance on costly motion-capture systems, enabling small and medium enterprises to adopt it affordably. Particularly, it supports personalised medical compression wear tailored to individual needs.

Published in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, the paper titled “A novel anthropometric method to accurately evaluate tissue deformation” highlights this breakthrough, demonstrating PolyU’s interdisciplinary expertise across fashion, biomechanics, materials science, computing, and engineering, offering promising advances for wearable apparel design.