• 한국의류학회지
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• 제39권1호
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• pp.63-76
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• 2015

This study conducted a survey to gauge the buying and wearing propensities of wearers of leg guards made for baseball catchers, as well as product characteristics of preferred leg guards. Data from the survey were analyzed to obtain basic data for the development of an advanced leg guard design. Degree of compression, horizontal distance, cross section view and outline 3D sketch were also analyzed from the 3D data of leg guards; in addition, mobility and kinematic analysis were conducted through a wearing test. The survey indicated that imported products dominate the current retail market because they are appreciated by customers in terms of fit, price, brand, and protection. Representative complaints of products were discomfort, pressure, and the heavy-weight of the leg guards in general attributed to overall structure and 3D shape. When the pressure was lower on the front area of knee, it feels better to wear and the average knee angular velocity during the up and down motion increased, which suggests a better design from a kinematic point of view. The knee is the primary part of the body responsible for any movement of the lower limbs; consequently, the degree of compression and support stability of the leg guards near the knee area are important factors to evaluate the performance of leg guards. The results of our study indicate significant opportunities for improvement in product design and the development of baseball leg guards along with an ergonomic design that considers the mobility of the knee, skin deformations is necessary to improve performance. The process followed in this study will be applicable to studies on other personal protective equipment for sports.