Design Concept for a Therapeutic Compression Suit for Anorexia
Research conducted by the Haptics Institute in Leipzig under the direction of Dr. Martin Grunwald has shown that a tight-fitting neoprene suit can aid anorexic patients in their healing process and help recalibrate their sense of touch. However, the use of neoprene is not popular with all patients and does not allow for adjustments in pressure intensity across different areas of the body.
The developed design concept for a therapeutic compression suit addresses these shortcomings by enabling individualized adjustment of compression. The suit can be knitted in one piece using a fully fashioned knitting machine, allowing for various knit structures with different densities and firmness levels. This adaptability makes it possible to selectively vary compression strength and breathability.
For example, the chest, abdomen, and the bends of arms and knees are made from more elastic knit to ensure both comfort and mobility. A perforated structure under the armpits improves air circulation. A custom fit is achieved using a 3D scanner that precisely captures the patient’s body measurements, allowing for a tailored adaptation of the suit.