Design for Upper-Body Garments of Disabled Persons in Sitting Position-Comparison with able-bodied persons

Clothing designs for a shirt suitable for physically disabled persons who spend their days in a sitting position were proposed based on a preliminary study of 25 disabled persons and 11 able-bodied persons. A total of 29 parameters were measured to assess body shape and wearability of proper-sized shirts. Four experimental garments were tested using 12 physically disabled persons who spend their days in the sitting position and able-bodied controls. Factor analysis was performed to ascertain the characteristics of different disabilities. The body angle of the front trunk of some persons with upper extremity disabilities was great, and in terms of wearability, waistline and hem tended to be shifted forward and downward. From a front view, persons with lower extremity disabilities tended to lean to one side(sic) either to the left or right. Persons with intellectual disabilities tended to lean forward with their upper trunk region, the head tended to protrude forward, and the back tended to be hunched. From the side profile, waistline and hem tended to be either shifted forward and downward or backward and downward. There were almost no differences in fit of shirts between able-bodied individuals and disabled persons who could stand. The results showed that it is easier for persons with disabilities to dress and undress when using partially modified shirts compared to an original proper-sized shirt, and partially modified shirts were also judged to have a more appropriate fit. In particular, adding a pleat at the center back of the shirt to more easily accommodate the hunched back body shape, which is a physical characteristic of disabled persons, was more suitable than wearing a shirt one size larger. Also, the following characteristics are required in shirts for disabled persons primarily in the chair-sitting position roomier fit from around the abdominal circumference to the hem; shorter front length; and extra ease in the back of the shirt to make it easier to dress and undress.