Analysis of lower limb measurements in running progress for high performance slacks design

This study was undertaken to investigate the principal lower limb measurements in running progress and how these measurements influence slacks pattern design. A total of 10 male subjects, whose heights were among 170-175cm and BMI values are among 18-23, were recruited as volunteers in this study. Owing to the limitation of manual method and 3D body scanning, one new measuring instrument, body motion capturer with 8 cameras, was used in this study to collect body measurements in running progress. 36 landmarks for 13 body measurements were determined according to ISO 8559. Before formal measuring, corresponding markers for body measurements were fixed on subject’s body with double-side tape. After the calibration of the instrument, each subject was required to keep natural standing posture and run on treadmill three times. The running progresses were recorded in body motion capturer system and body measurements were extracted. The experimental results showed that each lower limb measurement in running progress has different changing values except ankle girth. Because of hip and knee joint movement, skin shapes around it were changed which result in hip and knee girth have the significant changing values (6.5 cm and 5.7cm, respectively). Meanwhile, back leg length also has significant changing values (6.5 cm). Moreover, analysis results of one-way ANOVA indicated that except waist girth, ankle girth, total crotch, crotch length and inside leg length as well as front leg length, effects of body motion on each measurement of lower limb were significant, which revealed different ease and cutting line should be designed in slack pattern to meet the comfort need of wearers on body movement. Based on experimental and analysis results, one new pattern construction method of slack was discussed and the dynamic block pattern was made in the final part of this research.