Textile and Apparel Science

Design and Evaluation of Embroidered Textile Electrode Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Garments for Female's Pelvic Floor Recovery

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Abstract

Female pelvic floor dysfunction (FPFD) is a prevalent health concern among postpartum and middle-aged women. This study presents the design and evaluation of a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) functional garment incorporating embroidered textile electrodes for pelvic floor rehabilitation. User requirements were identified using the Kano model, while garment design was guided by 3D body scanning and a Kano-QFD-PUGH decision framework. Sixteen embroidered textile electrodes were fabricated using different base fabrics, conductive threads, and stitch spacings to optimize electrical and comfort performance. The optimal electrode employed silver-conductive thread on a polyester-spandex fabric with a 0.6 mm stitch spacing. A TENS garment prototype was developed with acupoint-based stimulation and integrated electronics. A one-month user trial with eight participants showed significant improvements in pelvic floor muscle function and high user satisfaction, confirming the feasibility of embroidered textile electrodes for wearable rehabilitation applications.

Keywords: Smart therapeutic garments, Pelvic floor rehabilitation, Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), Embroidered textile electrode, Postpartum functional apparel

How to Cite:

Hu, Y., lei, Y., Yu, M., Liu, C. C., chen, X. & yu, X., (2025) “Design and Evaluation of Embroidered Textile Electrode Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Garments for Female's Pelvic Floor Recovery”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21625