applied

sciences
Article
Porosity Structure Offering Improved Biomechanical
Stress Distribution and Enhanced
Pain-Relieving Potential
Chia-Cheng Lin 1,2,3 , Chia-Yu Wu 4,5 , Mao-Suan Huang 6,7 , Bai-Hung Huang 3,8,9 ,
Hsin-Hua Chou 2,10 , Keng-Liang Ou 6,11,12,13 , Chung-Ming Liu 3,14 , Fang-Tzu Pai 3,5 ,
Han-Wei Huang 4, * and Pei-Wen Peng 5, *
1 Department of Dentistry, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 111, Taiwan;
jiajeng.lin@msa.hinet.net
2 School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
hhchou@tmu.edu.tw
3 Biomedical Technology R&D Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan;
babyfireh@gmail.com (B.-H.H.); liuc@mail.cmu.edu.tw (C.-M.L.); M249108004@tmu.edu.tw (F.-T.P.)
4 Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Dentistry, Taipei Medical University Hospital,
Taipei 110, Taiwan; borgiawu@gmail.com
5 School of Dental Technology, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
6 Department of Dentistry, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 235, Taiwan;
hms4837@tmu.edu.tw (M.-S.H.); klouyu@gmail.com (K.-L.O.)
7 School of Oral Hygiene, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
8 Implant Academy of Minimally Invasive Dentistry, Taipei 106, Taiwan
9 Asia Pacific Laser Institute, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan
10 Dental Department of Wan-Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
11 Department of Oral Hygiene Care, Ching Kuo Institute of Management and Health, Keelung 203, Taiwan
12 Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan
13 3D Global Biotech Inc. (Spin-off Company from Taipei Medical University), New Taipei City 221, Taiwan
14 School of Dentistry, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
* Correspondence: b202095036@tmu.edu.tw (H.-W.H); apon@tmu.edu.tw (P.-W.P.)




Received: 27 February 2020; Accepted: 21 April 2020; Published: 26 April 2020


Abstract: In this study, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) human body model and a body
sculpting clothing (BSC) which was fitted onto that body to simulate the biomechanical stress variations
of the BSC with different porosity structures using the finite element method. The mechanical
properties of the BSC with different porosity structures were also examined through the tensile
testing. Analytical results indicated that the Von Mises stress of the BSC with a porosity structure
of 10.28% varied from 0.076 MPa to 337.79 MPa. As compared with a porosity structure of 35.18%,
the von Mises stress varied from 0.067 MPa to 207.30 MPa. The von Mises stress decreased as the
porosity increasing. Based on the statistical analysis findings, we obtained a formula to predict the
biomechanical relationships (von Mises stress and strain) between the human body and porosity of
the BSC. Therefore, these findings could offer potential information in the modification of BSC for
pain-relieving applications.

Keywords: finite element method; biomechanical properties; porosity; pain-relieving

1. Introduction
The textiles and fibers in biomedical development have grown rapidly for therapy applications in
recent years [1,2]. The medical textile covers medical products and devices from wound dressings and

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 3026; doi:10.3390/app10093026 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 3026 2 of 9

bandages to high-tech applications including vascular implants, tissue engineering stents, and other
medical textiles [3–5]. The structures of polymers determine their utilization in various domains,
but the selection for subsequent employment is mainly determined by the chemical and physical
properties of the polymers.
As previous studies reported that the body sculpting clothing (BSC) has some applications in
clinical reports, for example, varicose veins mitigation [6–8], scar management [9], etc. While some of
the latest studies [10–12] have also indicated there are a growing number of clinical applications of
functional textile technology that benefit patients with pain relief. In order to deliver better therapy
effects in a constant period, the thermal functional textile is required to closely fit with the body curve
and contact the target skin position with large area and distribute the heat energy evenly in case any
overheating occurs. Therefore, the fabric composition might play an important role in the functional
clothing and BSC. In general, polyamide (nylon) is the most common in functional clothing applications
because of its superior chemical and physical properties [13]. However, recently, some ways to detect
the dynamic pressure of the fabrics have emerged [14–17], but less proving that the nylon could
hold the stresses, or the nylon would not force extra stresses on the human body during the BSC
functioning [18,19]. Therefore, it is necessary to build a biomechanical model to prove the materials’
properties if they would be used on the human body in biomedical and pain-relieving applications.
There were three types of simulation models to describe the fabric mechanical model [20,21]
including energy method, spring force method, and finite element method. Both the energy method
and spring force method used particles to simulate the fabric’s three-dimensional (3D) structure,
but the finite element method used surfaces to simulate the fabric 3D structure. The energy method
used the particle energy formula that could be described by the geometric relationships between
the particles. Then, the particle energy formula could present the tension, compression, bending,
and shearing stresses in the fabric 3D structure. The spring force method was used the spring to
describe the particles relationships in 3D space. Use the linear spring-damper equation to simulate the
fabric mechanical model. The finite element method cut the 3D fabric model into small pieces, and it
was also used to analyze the structure’s stresses distribution. It is an appropriate method to describe
the static method, also the biomechanical model of polymers. Although it might take a lot of time to
calculate the simulation result, the finite element method is an approximate, numerical method for
solving continuing mechanical problems. Accordingly, this study developed a 3D human body model
and a BSC which was fitted onto that body to simulate the biomechanical properties of the BSC with
different porosity structures using finite element method.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Materials Preparation

The commercial nylon fabrics were obtained from Lolinya International Corporation (Taipei,
Taiwan). The nylon fiber diameter was almost 20 µm, and these fibers were spun together as loop
structure to knit as BSC with different porosity. The warp-knitted BSCs (thickness of 2 mm) were
observed by Keyence VHX-2000 digital optical microscope (Taipei, Taiwan). Then, an image processing
system (Buehler OmniMet 9.0, Lake Bluff, IL, USA) was employed to calculate the porosity of the
warp-knitted BSCs [22]. Subsequently, the digital captured images were converted using Avizo 7.0
software (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). Afterward, the setting routine of Buehler
OmniMet software was used to calculate the percentage of the red area in the capturing images,
which also means the porosity of the warp-knitted BSCs. First, set the threshold B/W (0-124) to detect
the porosity. However, some pores had poorly detected areas in them, so we filled holes to deal with
this problem. Finally, the setting routine gave us the percent area of the pores in the warp-knitted BSCs
as a whole (Figure 1). According to their own porosity, the warp-knitted BSCs are named as BSC-1,
BSC-2, BSC-3, BSC-4, BSC-5, BSC-6, and BSC-7, respectively (Table 1).
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 9

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 3026 3 of 9

Samples BSC-1 BSC-2 BSC-3 BSC-4 BSC-5 BSC-6 BSC-7
Porosity (%) 10.28 12.73 14.00 18.91 29.98 35.18 38.46

Figure
Figure 1. Image processing
1. Image processing system:
system: the
the capturing
capturing images
images and
and the
the threshold
thresholdB/W:
B/W:(a)
(a)BSC-1,
BSC-1,(b)
(b)BSC-1
BSC-
threshold B/W, (c) BSC-7, and (d) BSC-7 threshold B/W.
1 threshold B/W, (c) BSC-7, and (d) BSC-7 threshold B/W.
Table 1. Porosity of each warp-knitted BSC was calculated by the image processing system.
2.2. Fabrics Elastic Modulus Measurement
Samples BSC-1 BSC-2 BSC-3 BSC-4 BSC-5 BSC-6 BSC-7
Mechanical properties were obtained via the LFPlus tensile machine (Taipei, Taiwan) with a
Porosity
loading of 1000 (%)
N, offering 10.28 12.73
controlled 14.00
uniformly 18.91
loading 29.98sample
force until 35.18 38.46limitation of
maximum
proportionality. The sample testing area was set as 1 × 3 cm. The elastic modulus of each sample
2.2.
couldFabrics Elastic Modulus
be determined. Use Measurement
these elastic modules; we defined the material properties of the BSCs in
later Mechanical
finite elementproperties (FEA).
analysis were obtained via the LFPlus tensile machine (Taipei, Taiwan) with a
loading of 1000 N, offering controlled uniformly loading force until sample maximum limitation of
2.3. FEA Simulation
proportionality. The sample testing area was set as 1 × 3 cm. The elastic modulus of each sample could
be determined.
Based on the Usedifferent
these elastic
elasticmodules;
moduliwe defined
between thethe materialknitting
different properties of the BSCs
densities, in later
we tried finite
to figure
element
out howanalysis (FEA). each sample caused on the human body during the decreasing abdomen
much stresses
circumference by FEA. The 3D human model and BSC model were built by Solidworks 2010 software
2.3. FEA Simulation
(SolidWorks, Waltham, MA, USA) and combined together [23]. Then, the 3D models were built
through the FEA software elastic
Based on the different (ANSYS Workbench
moduli between 12.1
theversion,
differentCanonsburg, PA, USA).
knitting densities, we triedThetohuman
figure
model
out how takes
much a 176-cm
stresses woman
each sampleas a basis,
causedwith a 29-inch
on the humanwaistbody circumference, 39-inch abdomen
during the decreasing
circumference by
circumference andFEA.
41-inch
Thebuttocks
3D human circumference.
model and BSC Themodel
BSC model
were provided by Lolinya2010
built by Solidworks International
software
(SolidWorks, Waltham, MA, USA) and combined together [23]. Then, the 3D models were built order
Corporation and its specialty is abdomen-hugging to rebuild the body’s golden ratio. In through to
obtain
the FEA a more
softwareaccurate
(ANSYS analysis, the 3D12.1
Workbench models’ meshes
version, were converted
Canonsburg, and reinforced
PA, USA). The human(amodel tetrahedral
takes
element
a 176-cmwith woman 10 nodes
as a was
basis,used
with fora the meshwaist
29-inch refinement) to make 39-inch
circumference, the FEAabdomen
models reach to the real
circumference
state41-inch
and and reliable.
buttocksThe mean numbers
circumference. The of
BSCnodes
modeland elements
provided are closed
by Lolinya to 62,000 Corporation
International and 32,000,
respectively
and (Figure
its specialty 2). The mechanicalto
is abdomen-hugging properties of the
rebuild the BSCsgolden
body’s were determined by the
ratio. In order to tensile
obtain testing,
a more
and the human model’s biomechanical properties were defined as Table 2.
accurate analysis, the 3D models’ meshes were converted and reinforced (a tetrahedral element with Based on the desired
abdomen
10 nodes was circumference of 27 refinement)
used for the mesh inches, the tooriginal
make thewaist
FEAcircumference
models reach towas 39 inch.
the real The reliable.
state and setting
displacement
The mean numbers 12 inchof was applied
nodes andon the abdomen
elements portion
are closed of the BSC
to 62,000 andmodel.
32,000,The boundary(Figure
respectively condition 2).
was fixed at the base of the human body model. Accordingly, no mutual movement
The mechanical properties of the BSCs were determined by the tensile testing, and the human model’s between the
human body model
biomechanical and BSC
properties weremodel
definedat their interfaces
as Table wason
2. Based allowed. The material
the desired abdomen was assumed to be
circumference of
linear,
27 isotropic,
inches, and homogeneous
the original waist circumferencein the was
model assembly.
39 inch. Finally,
The setting the von Mises
displacement stress
12 inch and
was stress
applied
on the abdomen portion of the BSC model. The boundary condition was fixed at the base of the human
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 3026 4 of 9

body model. Accordingly, no mutual movement between the human body model and BSC model
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW
at
4 of 9
their interfaces was allowed. The material was assumed to be linear, isotropic, and homogeneous in
the model assembly.
distribution betweenFinally, the von
the human Mises
body stress
model andand
BSCstress
modeldistribution between
can be gained and the human in
compared bodythe
model
study. and BSC model can be gained and compared in the study.

Figure2.2. The
Figure The 3D
3D finite
finite element
element meshed
meshed models.
models. (a) The
The human
human body
body model,
model, (b)
(b) the
the whole
whole finite
finite
elementsmodel,
elements model,and
and(c)
(c)the
theBSC
BSCmodel.
model.

Table 2. Mechanical properties of different materials of the model.

Table 2. Mechanical properties of different materials of the model

Materials Materials Elastic

Elastic Modulus(MPa)
Modulus (MPa) Poisson’sPoisson’s
Ratio Ratio
Human body
Human body 8.8 10−2−2
8.8××10 0.22 0.22
Nylon Determined by the tensile test 0.35
Nylon Determined by the tensile test 0.35

2.4.
2.4. Statistical
Statistical Analysis
Analysis
The
The data
data were analyzed
analyzedviaviathe
theSPSS
SPSSstatistical
statistical software
software (IBM
(IBM Statistics
Statistics version
version 19, Armonk,
19, Armonk, NY,
NY, USA).
USA). Data Data were
were presented
presented mean± ±standard
as asmean standarddeviation (p-value of <0.01
deviation (p-value <0.01 was
was considered
considered
significant).
significant). Pearson correlation
correlation coefficient as
as aa statistical
statistical method
method in in tensile
tensile testing
testing was
was utilized
utilized to
to
correlate
correlatethe
thefabrics
fabricsporosity
porosityparameters
parameterswithwiththe
thefabric’s
fabric’selastic
elasticmodulus
modulus(multiple
(multiplelinear
linearregression
regression
analysis).
analysis).InInfinite element
finite analysis,
element Pearson
analysis, correlation
Pearson coefficient
correlation used toused
coefficient correlate the fabrics
to correlate theporosity
fabrics
parameters with the von Mises stress of the human body.
porosity parameters with the von Mises stress of the human body.

3.3. Results
Results and
and Discussion
Discussion
3.1. Knitted Structure of the Nylon Fabric
3.1. Knitted Structure of the Nylon Fabric
The knitting porosity of the courses and wales knitting structure was observed using the digital
The knitting porosity of the courses and wales knitting structure was observed using the digital
optical microscope as shown in Figure 1. The nylon in the knitted BSC follows a tortuous path (a route),
optical microscope as shown in Figure 1. The nylon in the knitted BSC follows a tortuous path (a
forming symmetrical loops above and below the average path of the nylon. These loops can be easily
route), forming symmetrical loops above and below the average path of the nylon. These loops can
stretched in different directions, which can make BSC more elastic; depending on the bulk of the
be easily stretched in different directions, which can make BSC more elastic; depending on the bulk
nylon, knitting patterns, and knitting porosity, the BSC can stretch as much as 500% [24,25]. Therefore,
of the nylon, knitting patterns, and knitting porosity, the BSC can stretch as much as 500% [24,25].
knitting was major using for the BSC that must be elastic or stretch in response to the human body
Therefore, knitting was major using for the BSC that must be elastic or stretch in response to the
movement [26,27]. Moreover, the courses and wales knitting structure are usually more form-fitting
human body movement [26,27]. Moreover, the courses and wales knitting structure are usually more
because their elasticity allows them to follow the human body’s curvature closely. More extra curvature
form-fitting because their elasticity allows them to follow the human body’s curvature closely. More
extra curvature can be easily introduced into the fabrics without seams, such as the armpit portion,
the crotch portion of the clothing can be harvested with short rows or by increasing or decreasing the
number of stitches [28].
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 3026 5 of 9

can be easily introduced into the fabrics without seams, such as the armpit portion, the crotch portion of
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 9
the clothing can be harvested with short rows or by increasing or decreasing the number of stitches [28].
The
The image
imageprocessing
processing system
systemwaswas
usedused
to calculate the BSCs
to calculate the porosity, which iswhich
BSCs porosity, a reliable
is technique
a reliable
in
technique in measuring porosity [22], and the following porosity results were shown in Table 1. the
measuring porosity [22], and the following porosity results were shown in Table 1. To determine To
strength of the relationship between the porosity and the elastic modulus of the knitted
determine the strength of the relationship between the porosity and the elastic modulus of the knitted BSCs, the data
were
BSCs,analyzed
the datain twoanalyzed
were sets and plotted
in twoagainst
sets andeach other.against
plotted By the correlation
each other.analysis, Pearson correlation
By the correlation analysis,
coefficient is −0.898 (p < 0.01). In other words, the porosity and the elastic
Pearson correlation coefficient is −0.898 (p < 0.01). In other words, the porosity and themodulus of the knitted
elastic BSCs
modulus
emerge a strongBSCs
of the knitted negative relationship.
emerge The linearrelationship.
a strong negative correlation coefficient R = 0.806 (p
2
The lineariscorrelation < 0.01), and
coefficient is Rthe
2 =
linear regression Equation (1) and model (Figure 3) can be obtained.
0.806 (p < 0.01), and the linear regression Equation (1) and model (Figure 3) can be obtained.

EBSC = EBSC 0(1

(1 − 0.92P))
− 0.92 (1)
(1)
where P is porosity, is the estimated average elastic modulus of the BSCs, and is the
where P is porosity, EBSC is the estimated average elastic modulus of the BSCs, and EBSC 0 is the elastic
elastic modulus of the BSCs.
modulus of the BSCs.

E = 2.620
2.628-0.024P
- 0.024P
2.6
(GPa)
(GPa)

2.4
modulus

2.2
modulus

2.0
Elastic
Elastic

1.8

1.6

10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Porosity (%)
Porosity (%)
Figure 3. The linear regression model is the relationship between the porosity and the elastic modulus
Figure 3. The linear regression model is the relationship between the porosity and the elastic modulus
of the knitted BSCs.
of the knitted BSCs.
3.2. Stress Transfer Behaviors
3.2. Stress Transfer Behaviors
First, we wanted to investigate the relationship between the porosity of the knitted BSCs and the
First, we
von Mises wanted
stresses to investigate
of the human body theduring
relationship
the BSCbetween the the
decreasing porosity
model’sof the knittedcircumference.
abdomen BSCs and the
von Mises stresses of the human body during the BSC decreasing
Set the boundary conditions as the abdomen circumference decreasing 10 cm, and the following the model’s abdomen
results
as shown in Table 3. While the BSC-1 was used as the FEA model, the von Mises stresses wereand
circumference. Set the boundary conditions as the abdomen circumference decreasing 10 cm, the
varied
following
from 0.0076results
MPa to as337.79
shown in Table
MPa 3. 4),
(Figure While
and the
mostBSC-1 was used
of stresses were as the FEA model,
concentrated in the the vonportion
crotch Mises
stresses were varied from 0.0076 MPa to 337.79 MPa (Figure 4), and most
and the central abdomen portion. In the crotch portion, the BSC has less contact area with the human of stresses were
body. During the abdomen decreasing period, the clothing might cause more stress and pressureBSC
concentrated in the crotch portion and the central abdomen portion. In the crotch portion, the on
has less contact area with the human body. During the abdomen decreasing period,
the human body. Therefore, choosing the BSC in the crotch portion should be considered first, and we the clothing
might choose
might cause more
a morestress
softand
andpressure on the
flexible BSC human
in the body.
crotch Therefore,
portion choosingorthe
of the clothing, BSC in
change the
the crotch
clothing
portion such
design, should be considered
as the lock using, first, and we
to prevent themight
stresschoose a more soft and flexible BSC in the crotch
concentration.
portion of the clothing, or change the clothing design, such as the lock using, to prevent the stress
concentration.

Table 3. Experiment results between the porosity, the elastic modulus of the knitted BSCs, the
abdomen circumference decreasing, and the stress of the BSC and human body

Stress of the Abdomen

Elastic Modulus Stress of the
Porosity (%) Human Body Circumference
(GPa) BSC (MPa)
(kPa) Decreasing (cm)
BSC-7 (38.46) 1.58 207.30 6.742 10
BSC-6 (35.18) 1.91 249.98 6.783 10
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 3026 6 of 9

Table 3. Experiment results between the porosity, the elastic modulus of the knitted BSCs, the abdomen
circumference decreasing, and the stress of the BSC and human body.

Elastic Modulus Stress of the Stress of the Human Abdomen Circumference

Appl. Sci.(%)
Porosity 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 9
(GPa) BSC (MPa) Body (kPa) Decreasing (cm)
BSC-7BSC-5
(38.46)(29.98) 1.58 2.00 207.30 267.13 6.742 6.910 1010
BSC-6BSC-4
(35.18)(18.91) 1.91 2.12 249.98 282.20 6.783 7.365 1010
BSC-5 (29.98) 2.00 267.13 6.910 10
BSC-3 (14.00) 2.15 287.28 7.523 10
BSC-4 (18.91) 2.12 282.20 7.365 10
BSC-2 (12.73) 2.23 289.04 7.588 10
BSC-3 (14.00) 2.15 287.28 7.523 10
BSC-2BSC-1
(12.73)(10.28) 2.23 2.57 289.04 337.79 7.588 7.645 1010
BSC-1BSC-1
(10.28)(10.28) 2.57 2.57 337.79 506.53 7.645 11.464 1015
BSC-1BSC-1
(10.28)(10.28) 2.57 2.57 506.53 675.60 11.46415.283 1520
BSC-1BSC-1
(10.28)(10.28) 2.57 2.57 675.60 845.12 15.28319.109 2025
BSC-1BSC-1
(10.28)(10.28) 2.57 2.57 845.121032.48 19.10922.825 2530
BSC-1 (10.28) 2.57 1032.48 22.825 30

FigureFigure
4. Von4. Mises
Von Mises stress
stress distribution
distribution ofofthe
theFEA
FEAresults
results with
with BSC-1
BSC-1sample
sample during thethe
during abdomen
abdomen
decreasing period: (a) frontal view of the BSC, (b) back view of the BSC, (c) frontal view of the
decreasing period: (a) frontal view of the BSC, (b) back view of the BSC, (c) frontal view of the human human
body, and (d) back view of the human body.
body, and (d) back view of the human body.
After series FEA, the following results were calculated by SPSS. The von Mises stress of the
After series FEA, the following results were calculated by SPSS. The von Mises stress of the human
human body was 7.22 ± 0.40 kPa. The relation between the porosity of the BSCs and the von Mises
body was 7.22 ± 0.40 kPa. The relation between the porosity of the BSCs and the von Mises stress
stress of the human body was calculated by the correlation analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient
of thewas
human
−0.996body
(p < was
0.01).calculated by the
In other words, thecorrelation
porosity and analysis, Pearson
the stresses on thecorrelation
human body coefficient
emerge a was
(p < 0.01).
−0.996strong In relationship.
negative other words, thelinear
The porosity and the
correlation stressesison
coefficient R2 the human
= 0.991 bodyand
(p < 0.01), emerge a strong
the linear
negative relationship.
regression EquationThe(2)linear
can becorrelation
gained. coefficient is R2 = 0.991 (p < 0.01), and the linear regression
Equation (2) can be gained. = (1 − 0.43 ) (2)
σbody = σbody 0 (1 − 0.43P) (2)
where P is porosity, is the estimated stresses average of the human body, and is the
stresses of the human body.
Then, increased the displacement of the abdomen circumference decreasing until the designed
abdomen circumference 27 inch with BSC-1 sample. When the abdomen had decreased 12 inches
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 3026 7 of 9

where P is porosity, σbody is the estimated stresses average of the human body, and σbody 0 is the stresses
of the human body.
Then, increased the displacement of the abdomen circumference decreasing until the designed
abdomen circumference 27 inch with BSC-1 sample. When the abdomen had decreased 12 inches
(about 3-times the 10 cm displacement) (Figure 5), the von Mises stresses varied from 0.0228 MPa
to 1032.5 MPa. As result, the following von Mises stresses of the BSC and the human body were
growth in multiples with the displacement increased multiples. Therefore, we also used SPSS to
conclude the Equation (3) which means the relationship between the porosity of the knitted BSCs (P),
the displacement of the abdomen circumference decreasing (∆L), the original length of the abdomen
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 9
(L0 ), the von Mises stresses of the human body (σbody 0 ) and the estimated von Mises stresses of the
human body (about(σ3-times
body ). Thus,
the 10 cm the linear correlation
displacement) (Figure 5), coefficient R2 = varied
the von Misesisstresses (p <0.0228
0.991 from 0.01),MPa
and to the linear
1032.5 MPa. As result, the following von Mises
regression Equation (3) and model (Figure 6) can be harvested. stresses of the BSC and the human body were growth
in multiples with the displacement increased multiples. Therefore, we also used SPSS to conclude the
Equation (3) which means the relationship ∆Lbetween
h the porosity of ithe knitted BSCs (P), the
displacement of the abdomen σbody (kPa) = decreasing
circumference σbody 0 ((∆7.37 3.17P) length of the abdomen ( ),
− original
), the (3)
L
the von Mises stresses of the human body ( 0 ) and the estimated von Mises stresses of the human
body ( ). Thus, the linear correlation coefficient is R2 = 0.991 (p < 0.01), and the linear regression
At the same time, the waist and buttocks circumference of the model would also be decreased, in
Equation (3) and model (Figure 6) can be harvested.
which the waist circumference was decreased from 29 inch to 23 inch and the buttocks circumference
∆
was decreased from 41 inch to 34 inch. No ( matter
)= how(7.37
much − 3.17 )
the porosity of the knitted BSCs (3) was, the
same decreasing circumference results occurred.
At the same time, the waist and buttocks circumference of the model would also be decreased,
It is well-known
in which thethat waistfunctional clothing
circumference was and BSC therapies
decreased from 29 inch are atoconvenient
23 inch andform of treatment used
the buttocks
to revitalize the body was
circumference anddecreased
tender muscle tissue
from 41 inch to 34toinch.
bring abouthow
No matter a reduction in muscle
much the porosity of thetension
knitted and offer
BSCs was, the same decreasing circumference results occurred.
pain-relief [10]. As mentioned above, it was found that there is significant difference in the relationship
It is well-known that functional clothing and BSC therapies are a convenient form of treatment
between the porosity of the BSCs and the stresses on the human body. The stress decreased as the
used to revitalize the body and tender muscle tissue to bring about a reduction in muscle tension and
porosity ofoffer
BSCpain-relief
increasing. [10]. Hence, the stress
As mentioned above,level
it wasoffound
the functional
that there isclothing
significantordifference
BSC could be adjusted
in the
to reduce relationship
the pressure of pain
between on the of
the porosity body. Currently,
the BSCs the latest
and the stresses issue
on the on functional
human clothing with
body. The stress
decreased
pain-relieving as the porosity
performance hasofbeen
BSC increasing.
discussedHence, usingthe stress level of(CBD)-infused
cannabidiol the functional clothing or BSC
clothing. CBD is low
could be adjusted to reduce the pressure of pain on the body. Currently, the latest issue on functional
tetrahydrocannabinol product derived from Cannabis sativa that has become
clothing with pain-relieving performance has been discussed using cannabidiol (CBD)-infused
very popular over the past
few years.clothing.
Patients report
CBD is lowrelief for a variety ofproduct
tetrahydrocannabinol conditions,
derivedparticularly
from Cannabispain,sativa without the intoxicating
that has become
adverse effects of medical
very popular over marijuana
the past few[29,30]. Muchreport
years. Patients of therelief
CBDforis aplaced
varietyin of strategic
conditions,areas of the functional
particularly
clothing sopain,
thatwithout
it aligns thewith
intoxicating
specific adverse
muscleeffects of medical
groups. When marijuana
wearing [29,30]. Much of the
the clothes, theCBD
CBDis releases
placed through
in strategic areas of the functional clothing so that it aligns with specific muscle groups. When
the dermalwearing
layer and into the pain point of the body. Accordingly, it would be desirable if the BCS could be
the clothes, the CBD releases through the dermal layer and into the pain point of the body.
combined Accordingly,
with CBD without it would sacrificing
be desirabledesirable
if the BCSmechanical and biological
could be combined with CBDproperties for pain-relieving
without sacrificing
applications. Finally, more tests must be conducted to better understand the relationshiptests
desirable mechanical and biological properties for pain-relieving applications. Finally, more between the
must property
pain-relieving be conducted andtoBSCs
betterwith
understand the relationship
different porosities in between the pain-relieving property and
the future.
BSCs with different porosities in the future.

Figure
Figure 5. The 5. The human
human body deformed
body deformed results
results whilethe
while the abdomen
abdomen circumference decrease
circumference was setwas
decrease as set as (a)
10 cm, (b) (a)
1510 cm, (b) 15 cm, and (c) 30 cm.
cm, and (c) 30 cm.
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 3026 8 of 9
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 9

40 0.25
35

Strain (mm/mm)
Strain (mm/mm)
(%)
0.20
Porosity(%) 30

25
Porosity
0.15
20

15 Porosity-stress
Porosity-Stressrelation
relation 0.10
Stress-strain relation
Stress-Strain relation
10
0.05
6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
Stress
Stress (kPa)
(kPa)
Figure Regressionmodel
6. Regression
Figure 6. model between
between thethe porosity
porosity of fabrics,
of the the fabrics, the strain,
the strain, and
and the the of
stress stress of the
the human
human
body. body.

4. Conclusions
4. Conclusions
Through these investigations, first, we used an image processing system to analyze the porosity
Through these investigations, first, we used an image processing system to analyze the porosity
of the knitted BSCs and calculated the linear regression model. Then, we constructed a biomechanical
of the knitted BSCs and calculated the linear regression model. Then, we constructed a biomechanical
model in BSCs by the FEA and found that there was significant difference in the relationship between
model in BSCs by the FEA and found that there was significant difference in the relationship between
the porosity of the BSCs and the stresses on the human body. Moreover, as the displacement increased
the porosity of the BSCs and the stresses on the human body. Moreover, as the displacement
in multiples, the stresses on the human body are grew in multiples. Therefore, the present data
increased in multiples, the stresses on the human body are grew in multiples. Therefore, the present
demonstrated a potential benefit in terms of providing biomechanical behaviors of the BSC for the
data demonstrated a potential benefit in terms of providing biomechanical behaviors of the BSC for
human body.
the human body.
Author Contributions: Writing—original draft, C.-C.L.; Investigation, C.-Y.W.; Data curation, B.-H.H. and F.-T.P.;
Author Contributions:
Methodology, Writing—original
H.-H.C. and draft, C.-C.L.;
M.-S.H.; Validation, C.-M.L.;Investigation,
Supervision; C.-Y.W.;
K.-L.O.; Data curation, B.-H.H.
Writing—review and F.-
and editing,
H.-W.H. and P.-W.P.H.-H.C.
T.P.; Methodology, All authors
and have readValidation,
M.-S.H.; and agreed to the published
C.-M.L.; version
Supervision; of the
K.-L.O.; manuscript. and editing,
Writing—review
H.-W.H. and
Funding: TheP.-W.P.
authorsAll authors
would likehave read and
to thank agreed
the Shin to the
Kong Wupublished version ofHospital
Ho-Su Memorial the manuscript.
and Taipei Medical
University for financially supporting this research under SKH-TMU joint research program contract no.
Funding: The authors would like to thank the Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital and Taipei Medical
SKH-TMU-104-06. This research was also supported in part by grant MOST 109-2622-8-038-005-TB1.
University for financially supporting this research under SKH-TMU joint research program contract no. SKH-
Conflicts of Interest:
TMU-104-06. The authors
This research declare
was also no conflict
supported of by
in part interest
grantin this work.
MOST 109-2622-8-038-005-TB1.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest in this work.

References
References
1.
1. Czajka,
Czajka, R.R. Development
Development of of medical
medical textile market. Fibres
textile market. Fibres Text.
Text. East.
East. Eur.
Eur. 2005, 13, 13-15.
2005,13, 13–15.
2.
2. Goswami, B.C.; Martindale, J.G.; Scardino, F. Textile Yarns: Technology, Stracture,Applications;
Goswami, B.C.; Martindale, J.G.; Scardino, F. Textile Yarns: Technology, Stracture, and Wiley India
and Applications; 1977,
Pvt
WileyLtd.: Noida,
India India,India.
Pvt Ltd., 1977.
3.
3. Dattilo, P.P.,
Jr, P.P.D.; Jr.; King,
King, M.W.; M.W.; Cassill,
Cassill, N.L.;N.L.;
Leung,Leung,
J.C. J.C. Medical
Medical textiles:
textiles: Application
Application of absorbable
of an an absorbable barbed
barbed bi-
bi-directional surgical suture. J. Text. Appar. Technol. Manag.
directional surgical suture. J. Text. Appar. Technol. Manag. 2002, 2, 1–5. 2002, 2, 1–5.
4.
4. King,
King, M.W.
M.W. Overview
Overviewof ofopportunities
opportunitiesin inmedical textiles. Can.
medicaltextiles. Can. Text.
Text. J.J. 2001,
2001, 118,
118, 34–36.
34–36.
5.
5. Cooper,
Cooper, J.A.;
J.A.; Lu,
Lu, H.H.;
H.H.; Ko,
Ko, F.K.;
F.K.; Freeman,
Freeman, J.W.;
J.W.; Laurencin,
Laurencin, C.T.C.T. Fiber-based
Fiber-based tissue-engineered
tissue-engineered scaffold
scaffold for
for
ligament replacement: Design
ligament replacement: Designconsiderations
considerationsand and inin vitro
vitro evaluation.
evaluation. Biomaterials
Biomaterials 2005,
2005, 26, 1523–1532.
26, 1523–1532.
6. [CrossRef]
Illouz, Y.-G. [PubMed]
Clinical Evaluation of Pressure Therapy in Conjunction with Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery;
6. Illouz, Y.-G. Clinical Evaluation of Pressure Therapy in Conjunction with Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery.
1989. https://www.medicalz.com/media/uploads/filemanager/plasticstudy.pdf.
7. 1989. Available
Liu, R.; Kwok, Y.-L.;online:
Li,https://www.medicalz.com/media/uploads/filemanager/plasticstudy.pdf
Y.; Lao, T.-T. Fabric mechanical-surface properties of compression hosiery (accessed on
and their
12 January
effects 2020).
on skin pressure magnitudes when worn. Fibres Text. East. Eur. 2010, 18, 79.
7.
8. Liu, R.; Kwok, Y.-L.;
Blattler, W.; Kreis, N.; Li,Lun,
Y.; Lao, T.-T. Fabric
B.; Winiger, mechanical-surface
J.; Amsler, properties
F. Leg symptoms of compression
of healthy people andhosiery and their
their treatment
effects on skin pressure magnitudes when
with compression hosiery. Phlebology 2008, 23, 214–221. worn. Fibres Text. East. Eur. 2010, 18, 79.
9. Campbell, P.E.; Smith, G.S.; Smith, J.M. Retrospective clinical evaluation of gauze-based negative pressure
wound therapy. Int. Wound J. 2008, 5, 280–286.
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 3026 9 of 9

8. Blattler, W.; Kreis, N.; Lun, B.; Winiger, J.; Amsler, F. Leg symptoms of healthy people and their treatment
with compression hosiery. Phlebology 2008, 23, 214–221. [CrossRef]
9. Campbell, P.E.; Smith, G.S.; Smith, J.M. Retrospective clinical evaluation of gauze-based negative pressure
wound therapy. Int. Wound J. 2008, 5, 280–286. [CrossRef]
10. Yang, C.; Li, L. The Application Wearable Thermal Textile Technology in Thermal-Protection Applications.
Trends Text. Fash Des. 2018, 1, 22–30.
11. Yang, K.; Meadmore, K.; Freeman, C.; Grabham, N.; Hughes, A.M.; Wei, Y.; Torah, R.; Glanc-Gostkiewicz, M.;
Beeby, S.; Tudor, J. Development of User-Friendly Wearable Electronic Textiles for Healthcare Applications.
Sensors 2018, 18, 2410. [CrossRef]
12. Yang, K.; Isaia, B.; Brown, L.J.E.; Beeby, S. E-Textiles for Healthy Ageing. Sensors 2019, 19, 4463. [CrossRef]
13. Kojima, A.U.Y.; Masaya, K.; Akane, O.; Yoshiaki, F.; Toshio, K.; Osami, K. Mechanical properties of nylon
6-clay hybrid. J. Mater. Res. 1993, 8, 5. [CrossRef]
14. Wong, A.S.W.; Li, Y.; Zhang, X. Influence of fabric mechanical property on clothing dynamic pressure
distribution and pressure comfort on tight-fit sportswear. Sen-I Gakkaishi 2004, 60, 293–299. [CrossRef]
15. Zhang, X.; Yeung, K.W.; Li, Y. Numerical simulation of 3D dynamic garment pressure. Text Res. J. 2002, 72,
245–252. [CrossRef]
16. Kang, T.J.; Kim, S.M. Optimized garment pattern generation based on three-dimensional anthropometric
measurement. Int. J. Cloth. Sci. Technol. 2000, 12, 15.
17. Makabe, H.; Momota, H.; Mitsuno, T. A study of clothing pressure developed by the girdle. J. Jpn. Res. Assoc.
Text. End Uses 1991, 32, 15.
18. Ohura, T.; Takahashi, M.; Ohura, N., Jr. Influence of external forces (pressure and shear force) on superficial
layer and subcutis of porcine skin and effects of dressing materials: Are dressing materials beneficial for
reducing pressure and shear force in tissues? Wound Repair Regen 2008, 16, 102–107. [CrossRef]
19. Li, Y.; Zhang, X.; Yeung, K.W. A 3D biomechanical model for numerical simulation of dynamic mechanical
interactions of bra and breast during wear. Sen-I Gakkaishi 2003, 59, 12–21. [CrossRef]
20. House, D.; Breen, D. Cloth Modeling and Animation; A K Peters/CRC Press: Natick, MA, USA, 2000.
21. Matsuda, R.; Imaoka, H. A graphic method to simulate garment fitting on a human body model in various
posture. Sen’i Gakkaishi 1995, 51, 9. [CrossRef]
22. Pourdeyhimi, B. Porosity of surgical mesh fabrics: New technology. J. Biomed. Mater. Res. 1989, 23, 145–152.
[CrossRef]
23. Rodel, H. Relationship between knitting parameters, computer aided pattern design and fit of knitting
underwear. Int. J. Cloth. Sci. Technol. 1999, 11, 2.
24. Chu, C.C.; Welch, L. Characterization of morphologic and mechanical properties of surgical mesh fabrics.
J. Biomed. Mater. Res. 1985, 19, 903–916. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
25. Hiatt, J.H. The Principles of Knitting: Methods and Techniques of Hand Knitting; Simon & Schuster: New York,
NY, USA, 1989.
26. Xie, S.T. Characterization of Interyarn Pore Size and its Distribution in Plain Woven Fabrics. Master’s Thesis,
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA, 2002.
27. Karaguzel, B. Characterization and Role of Porosity in Knitted Fabrics. Master’s Thesis, North Carolina State
University, Raleigh, NC, USA, 2004.
28. Silvain, A.H. Form-Fitting Seamless Garment and Method. U.S. Patent 3,479,844, 25 November 1969.
29. VanDolah, H.J.; Bauer, B.A.; Mauck, K.F. Clinicians’ Guide to Cannabidiol and Hemp Oils. Mayo. Clin. Proc.
2019, 94, 1840–1851. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
30. Baron, E.P. Comprehensive Review of Medicinal Marijuana, Cannabinoids, and Therapeutic Implications
in Medicine and Headache: What a Long Strange Trip It‘s Been. Headache 2015, 55, 885–916. [CrossRef]
[PubMed]

© 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access
article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution
(CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).