Protective Clothing for Paraplegic Women

Abstract

The problems of paraplegic women were identified by interview as well as observation methods The problems encountered by them were: difficulty in wearing and removing of upper garments due to pain in upper limbs, slipping legs in garments and removing them, garments and bed wetting because of incontinence, bunching of garments causing discomforts and bed sores at pressure points like scapula region, hip or back bones and wounds due to traction belt. Suitabilty assessment of functional features provided in the garments of paraplegics in accordance to their clothing related problems revealed that kameez made with center front placket and large armholes were assessed to be highly suitable for the patients who had pain in their upper limbs. kameez back made to hip length were found to be very comfortable as bunching and wetting of garments could be prevented. A vest designed with back pocket for poly fiber padded cushion provided comfortability at scapula region while sleeping and sitting. Salwar with crotch length placket was assessed to be highly suitable due to ease in dressing/undressing as well as changing of napkins and pads. Napkin with side placket, padded with poly fiber at identified areas was found to be very appropriate as it could be changed easily and padding provided sufficient comfortability at pressure points.