• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.65-80
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• 2024

The aim of this study is to develop smart fitness wear by designing and producing a prototype with integrated sensor modules, electrodes, and circuits. The research process was carried out in the following steps: 1) Selecting the positions of the sensors and electrodes based on preliminary research and exercise analysis, 2) Designing and creating patterns of smart fitness wear, 3) Designing the circuit diagram of smart fitness wear, 4) Producing the prototype, and 5) Evaluating wearability. The study reached the following key conclusions. First, the optimal placement of sensor modules and electrodes. Second, the functional design of the smart fitness wear. Third, improvements based on the usability evaluation. These research findings are expected to make a significant contribution to the future development of the fashion industry incorporating IT. The smart fitness wear developed in this study demonstrates the potential for integrating IT with the fashion industry. This product has the potential to be utilized not only in sportswear but also in various healthcare fields, enhancing user experience through personalized health management and tailored feedback.

• The Korean Fashion and Textile Research Journal
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.210-220
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• 2023

Recently, smart wearable products, including electromyography (EMG) measurement devices and clothing, have been developed to monitor users' exercise levels, muscle activation, and muscle balance more effectively during fitness activities. However, technical and socioeconomic barriers, such as flexibility and durability, still pose challenges in terms of comfort, ease of wear, and wearability of smart clothing, which includes devices and circuits. To address these issues, this study developed a wearable EMG device integrated with clothing to collect valid EMG signals from desired muscles while maintaining comfort, functionality, and ease of wear. After deriving a combined structure that could stably position the wearable device within the clothing, a prototype was manufactured and evaluated for fit, compression, comfort, and exercise comfort test by ten participants (height = 176.2 cm, weight = 76.4 kg, chest circumference = 101.2 cm). The study found that the prototype had smaller circumferences around the chest, waist, and abdomen compared to commercial products, resulting in lower ratings for wearing comfort and ease of wear. However, the prototype received high ratings for fitting, pressure, and the exercise comfort test. Valid signals were obtained when the EMG device was combined to the prototype for the rectus femoris muscle, indicating stable positioning of the device during exercise.