This study discussed the design of functional clothing for patients who suffer from spinal
cord injury-induced lower-limb disabilities caused by car accidents or illness. Recycled
fibers were used as the basic material, and digital printing technology used to create
different color combinations. Ready-made clothes in Taiwan are not suitable for with
physical disable patients or those with urine drainage bags. The fabric is not antibacterial,
and the designs are dull. The study surveyed physicians and patients in order to gain an in-
depth understanding of patients’ actual needs. This study included four parts: 1)
questionnaire survey and interviews with four physical therapists, on-site observation on
the lifestyles of eight patients with lower-limb injuries, in order to summarize the design
elements of adaptive apparel and to design four types of pants; 2) antibacterial fabric made
of recycled fibers was used to reduce the possibility of bacterial infection; 3) digital
printing system was used to design individualized apparel; 4) different fillings and a
pressure measurement system used to measure the amount of pressure in pressure-free
pants to ensure their effectiveness and to improve comfort. This study reached three
conclusions. First, the assessment and design of disposable medical and adaptive apparel
were characterized by the following three features: 1) comfort and convenience are
important factors affecting patients’ intention to use such apparel; 2) the patients showed a
high level of acceptance for disposable recycled fabrics; 3) the provision of individualized
style and color combinations could significantly increase patients’ satisfaction. Second, the
design functions for patients of different ages could be used to establish complete
individualized design samples. Third, the use of recyclable materials and color
combinations should be subject to the characteristics of the materials and patients’
preferences, to ensure the function and design quality and to increase patients’ physical
comfort and psychological satisfaction.
DRS 2012 Bangkok
