2025, Vol. 12, Issue 3, Part E
Design a posture correcting bracing pant for athletes with femoral retroversion
Author(s): UT Mayakaduwa, AWS Chandana and BM Gimhan
Abstract:Femoral retroversion, where the neck of the femurrntwists outwardly, destabilizes the hip joint structure, limits functionalrnmotion and is linked with enhanced risk of injury especially in sporting applications.rnIts objective is to design a bracing device worn by sports participants withrnfemoral retroversion with emphasis on investigating the mechanics of the joint,rncomfortable garment design that is also functional, and comprehensiverninvestigation of its influence on physical performance, user comfort, andrnoverall performance via mixed methods evaluations. Tests for setting up gaitrncorrection, joint posture correction and effectiveness of the textiles informedrnthe optimization of a product to enhance coordination, movement efficiency, andrnsports resilience. Athletes wearing the newly designed brace performedrnexceptionally in all performance measures. Player 1's mean single-leg stabilityrnwas improved from 25-30 seconds to 50-55 seconds and that of Player 2 from 35rnto more than 85 seconds. Best sprint times were decreased from 7.6 to 7.3rnseconds and from 8.3 to 7.9 seconds per individual players. Out-toeing anglern(foot progression) was reduced by more than 20° in Player 1 and by 10°-15° inrnPlayer 2. Both of the players also showed 5-10 cm improvement in long jumprnperformance and by about 1 second in shuttle run (best) time. Among thernmaterials tested, the Polyester-Spandex blend showed maximum breathabilityrn(0.00011 ݑڰݑ -2), moisture spreadrn(19 units/70s), and heat dissipation (11.0 ݑİݑ -2). Whereas, arnNylon-Spandex blend registered maximum stretch ability from 100 mm to 380 mmrnwith maximum recoil and a woven elastic material used for ankle support. Thernwoven elastic offers high elastic recovery (>95%), and moderate to firmrncompression pressure (20-30 mmHg). During trial, bracing pant consistentlyrndelivered enhanced motion control, balance and agility, reasserting functionalrneffectiveness. Brace-applied force over 1.75 kg (17167 N) reduced leg anglernprogressively; at 3.3 kg (32373 N), full flexion 0° occurred, supporting rehabrnand performance applications. The current study confirms that appropriatelyrndesigned bracing is capable of successfully assisting sports athletes withrnfemoral retroversion and enhances alignment and function without compromisingrnflexibility and reduces risk of injury in competitive sporting activity.
DOI: 10.22271/kheljournal.2025.v12.i3e.3809Pages: 290-296 | 66 Views 31 DownloadsDownload Full Article: Click Here