Evaluation of a Prototype Soft-Structured Thoracic Posture Support Garment

摘要

A prototype soft-structured thoracic posture support garment was evaluated for postural alignment effectiveness, wearer acceptability, ease of movement and fit as compared to a sports bra (no posture support) and a commercial soft-structured posture support garment. Fifteen female participants conducted a wear protocol in each of the garments, were evaluated for posture, and provided wearer assessments of the other three variables. Results indicated that the prototype was as effective as the commercial support garment in improving posture but was more acceptable to wearers, easier to move in and fit less tightly than the commercial support garment. Wearer assessments of the prototype were not significantly different from the sport bra, indicating success in developing an effective posture support garment with potential for better wear compliance than existing posture support solutions.