• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.209-219
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• 2019

This study analyzed and compared wearer mobility for different types of clothing that also included the potential to develop firefighter station uniforms using range of motion (ROM) and electromyography (EMG). This study focused on a comparison of wearer mobility affected by different materials and shapes of the station uniforms worn under firefighter turnout gear. Japanese standard uniform (UNI), stretch-wear (ST), and compression-wear (CP) were used as station uniforms for the experiment. This study analyzed wearer movements and quantified ROM and EMG. In addition, the subjective evaluation of wearer mobility and comfort were assessed for comparisons. Nine healthy male students participated in the experiment. Wearer mobility was analyzed using ROM and EMG data obtained by measuring five motions; in addition, subjective evaluations were also obtained. As compared with the standard station uniform, ROM increased 6.8 % and 7.2 % due to stretch-wear and compression-wear. The benefits of wearing stretch material or compression material to improve muscle performance (such as reduced percent of maximum voluntary contraction) were not proven. Differences between materials and designs influenced subjective wearer comfort. In particular, the wearing of compression materials was shown best in terms of wearer comfort that may also allow greater wearer mobility.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.776-787
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• 2020

This study investigated physiological and subjective responses to different types of firefighter station uniforms made with various designs and materials. Six healthy males participated in this study that consisted of 20 min of rest, 30 min of treadmill exercise, and 30 min of recovery in a hot and humid environment (34℃ and 65%RH). The experimental clothing conditions were as follows. 1) a fitted T-shirt and trouser made of 100% polyester (FC-Uniform), and 2) flame retardant T-shirts made of acrylic and cotton as well as trousers with aramid and polyester, designed for overfitting (Control). There were no significant differences in the body temperature, and sweat rate between the two conditions; however, the heart rate with the FC-Uniform was significantly lower than Control (p=.025). The clothing microclimate temperature at the chest of the FC-Uniform was significantly lower than the Control (p=.037), and a difference of 1℃ was maintained until the recovery was complete. There were no significant differences in the subjective responses; however, participants experienced a humidity sensation faster with FC-Uniform in the recovery phase. The results indicate that changes in the design and material of firefighter station uniforms may have a positive influence on reducing the thermal stress of firefighters.