Investigations for the development of smart trousers for paraplegic wheelchair users. Part 1 – Design recommendations for smart trousers to improve the thermal comfort of the legs of paraplegics

Abstract

In this article, a study was conducted on the design of smart trousers to improve the thermal comfort of the legs of paraplegics. It was based on the survey of paraplegics about the thermoregulation of their legs in cold environments, the warming of the legs during and after outdoor activities, the type of clothing for outdoor activities and the need for smart heating clothing for the lower extremities. The skin surface temperatures on the legs of fully mobile people and paraplegics were measured in a neutral state to find out to which temperature the microclimate inside the trousers can be warmed and the smart trousers can be used safely. The survey of paraplegics was conducted nationwide and included sixty-one adult male and female subjects. Skin surface temperatures were measured at eight measurement points on the right and left leg and performed on eighteen participants. After evaluating all the results of this study, recommendations for the design of smart heating trousers were proposed. The results of this part of the research can provide designers with important information about the specific requirements for smart heating trousers and enable them to design and develop products that meet real needs and are safe for paraplegic wheelchair users. Furthermore, this work aims to raise awareness of the needs of wheelchair users that enable them to integrate into the social environment on an equal footing.