ITAA - KSCT Joint Symposium

The EvoCourt Set: An Innovative Wheelchair Tennis-Specific Performance Uniform Designed for Women Athletes

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Abstract

Wheelchair tennis is one of the fastest growing and most competitive wheelchair sports, yet no sport-specific performance uniform exists. Even at the Paralympic level, athletes wear ill-fitting able-bodied tennis apparel (D. Mathewson, personal communication, 2025). Skirts and dresses often catch in wheel rims and complicate mobility when athletes must push the chair while holding a racket in the same hand (Rietveld et al., 2021). Many players also insert foam or towels between their thighs for stability and nerve pain relief (D. Mathewson, personal communication, 2025). This research aims to develop wheelchair tennis specific apparel solutions that improve mobility, stability, and moisture management for female players, advancing athlete informed, science driven design that redefines inclusivity.

Keywords: Performance, Uniform, Adaptive, Wheelchair Tennis

How to Cite:

Ly, L., (2025) “The EvoCourt Set: An Innovative Wheelchair Tennis-Specific Performance Uniform Designed for Women Athletes”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21779