• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.365-375
• /
• 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the maximal elongation rate and area expansion ratio of human skin in various postures. Five males and five females (male: $23{\pm}2yr$ in age, $177.9{\pm}4.8cm$ in height, $76.7{\pm}8.8kg$ in body weight, $24.2{\pm}2.5$ in BMI, $16.2{\pm}3.4%$ in body fat; female: $22{\pm}1yr$, $163.2{\pm}3.6cm$, $51.4{\pm}2.7kg$, $19.3{\pm}1.6$, $27.4{\pm}6.7%BF$) participated in this study. Measurements were conducted using a pen and tape on the elbow, knee, wrist, shoulder, and neck. Subjects held postures so that each joint of the body regions was bent at its maximal level. The results were as follows: 1) The maximal elongation rate of skin showed a significant difference among the regions: $16.6{\pm}3.4%$ for the wrist, $22.4{\pm}5.5%$ for the neck (back), $37.6{\pm}11.3%$ for the shoulder, $42.6{\pm}10.0%$ for the knee, and $43.9{\pm}4.0%$ for the elbow (p<0.05). 2) The maximal expansion rate of the body surface area had the greatest values on the elbow ($93.7{\pm}6.4%$) and knee ($74.8{\pm}10.8%$). 3) No significant difference was found between males and females. In summary, maximal values of skin elongation and expansion rates in vivo were greater than in vitro values known from previous reports. These results can be applied to develop electronic fibers or textiles for wearable tight fit work clothing as well as fitness wear.