Shevchuk T., Imarova D. Development of adaptive sportswear taking into account the anatomical features of gymnasts // Science Time. 2021. № 11(95). С. 23-31.
Статья: Shevchuk, Imarova. 2021-11.pdf
Полный выпуск: Science Time. Выпуск № 11_(2021).pdf
Shevchuk Tetiana,
Designer of Rhythmic Gymnastics
Apparel and Equipment,
Kyiv, Ukraine
E-mail: dilyara_8181@mail.ru
Imarova Dilyara,
Clothing Designer,
Almaty, Kazakhstan
E-mail: tatyana.shvarts@gmail.com
Key words: gymnast, sportswear, anthropometric parameters, biomechanical requirements.
Introduction
Gymnastics is a sport that places extreme demands on the flexibility, strength and coordination of an athlete. Professional gymnasts perform complex elements that require a large range of motion in all joints and high dynamics. Gymnasts' clothing is not just a uniform, but also a "second skin" that should support the athlete, not restrict movement and facilitate optimal exercise performance. The development of adaptive sportswear for gymnasts is based on careful consideration of the anatomical features of these athletes and the specific requirements of the sport.
The relevance of the topic is due to the fact that a properly designed gymnastics uniform can not only increase the comfort and safety of an athlete, but also have a positive effect on the results of performances. Innovative materials and production technologies (for example, seamless 3D weaving, personalized design based on 3D body scans) open up new possibilities in creating equipment that perfectly fits the gymnast's figure and adapts to his movements. This article systematizes information about the anatomy of gymnasts, requirements for their clothing, modern textile solutions, methods of individual cut design, aspects of ergonomics and thermoregulation, as well as prototype testing tools and future innovations. The purpose of the work is to substantiate the principles of developing adaptive sportswear for gymnasts, providing a harmonious combination of functionality (maximum mobility, support, thermal comfort) and an individualized approach (taking into account the personal anthropometric data and preferences of the athlete). Below, eight key aspects of this topic are considered sequentially.
Anatomy of gymnasts
Development of adaptive sportswear starts with understanding the body type of gymnasts. Gymnasts are usually short, have low body weight and minimal body fat. Women often have narrow hips and a wide shoulder girdle, while men have well-developed shoulders, arms and back. The mesomorphic body type with pronounced muscles and low fat content prevails, which contributes to high power output and precise control of movements.
A feature of gymnasts is high flexibility and mobility of joints, especially the spine, shoulders and hip joints. This is the result of intensive training from an early age. Therefore, clothing should allow for a wide range of motion and not restrict in areas of maximum stretching – in the shoulders, hips and back.
The body shape of gymnasts is compact and has well-defined muscles. Men's clothing should emphasize the torso, fit tightly in the waist and hips. Women's clothing should take into account the proportions of the figure, ensuring comfort when moving the arms and legs.
Therefore, when creating clothes, it is important to consider:
1. Compact body size and specific proportions.
2. Developed muscles with minimal fat.
3. High joint flexibility.
This determines both the choice of materials (elastic, durable) and the design of the product – for example, inserts in areas of active stretching.
Gymnastics clothing requirements
Gymnasts' clothing must perform many functions, but the main thing is not to interfere with movement. It should fit tightly to the body, acting as a "second skin", without folds or excess fabric, especially in areas of active movement – armpits, groin, shoulder girdle and hip joints.
Comfort is also critically important. Materials should be breathable, hypoallergenic and wick away moisture well. This is especially important during intense training. Clothing should be strictly according to size – too loose a form will bunch up and get in the way. Seams should be soft and flat, and hard elements such as zippers and buckles should be excluded in areas of contact with the body. Seamless and soft underwear is also recommended for the uniform.
From a safety point of view, the uniform should not contain elements that can be caught: no long skirts or loose parts. A tight fit not only allows free movement, but also facilitates visual control of technique by a coach or judge. During training, plain, tight-fitting clothing is preferable – it does not distract and helps to better see the work of the muscles. Wear resistance is another important aspect. Gymnasts actively interact with surfaces and equipment, clothing is subject to friction and frequent washing. Therefore, preference is given to synthetic or mixed materials, which are more wear-resistant than natural ones.
Basic requirements for a gymnast's uniform:
– Complete freedom of movement: elastic materials and thoughtful cut.
– Precise fit: no folds or shifts.
– Breathability and moisture wicking: for comfort and thermoregulation.
– Hypoallergenic: safe, hygienic materials.
– Minimalism of details: soft seams, no decor that could interfere.
– Durability: resistant to friction, stretching and frequent washing.
These principles determine the choice of fabrics and sewing technology, which will be discussed below.
Modern materials and textile technologies
Modern gymnastics clothing is made mainly from synthetic fabrics: polyester, polyamide and elastane (lycra), which provides the necessary elasticity and shape recovery after stretching. Usually elastane makes up 10 to 20% of the composition, sometimes blends with cotton are used, but completely natural fabrics are rarely used due to their ability to retain moisture.
Synthetic materials have a number of specialized properties. They effectively remove moisture from the body and accelerate evaporation, promoting thermoregulation. Thanks to the use of microfibers and mesh inserts, clothing becomes light, breathable and comfortable for long-term wear. Some fabrics are additionally processed to improve moisture removal and temperature regulation, including phase-transition microcapsules that absorb and release heat depending on the conditions. Manufacturing technologies have also evolved: 3D weaving and seamless knitting allow you to create products without unnecessary seams, immediately of the desired shape, with different elasticity in different areas. This reduces the amount of waste and improves the accuracy of the fit. For example, in the area of joints, the fabric can be more elastic, and on the muscles – supportive.
"Smart" fabrics have become an important area. They include antibacterial and deodorizing impregnations, as well as the integration of thin sensors into the material to track physiological indicators. This is especially important for preventing irritation and infections with prolonged sweating.
Engineering fabric structures are also used – from smooth to 3D mesh and special inserts that improve ventilation. Some elements strengthen the fabric or, conversely, make it more pliable in the right areas. The main task is to maintain maximum elasticity and comfort.
Key features of modern gymnastics fabrics:
– Elastic base: polyester/polyamide with elastane – for strength and stretchability.
– Breathability and moisture wicking: microstructures and special treatments.
– Additional functions: antibacterial, UV, static electricity, chlorine protection.
– Innovative production: seamless technology, 3D molding, waste minimization.
The choice of materials must meet key requirements: freedom of movement, durability, comfort. Textile innovations open up new possibilities for personalized and effective gymnastics uniform design.
3D scanning and personalized tailoring
Gymnasts' bodies are unique, with distinct individual proportions and contours, so adaptive clothing must fit the figure precisely. Previously, manual measurements were used, but today 3D scanning is increasingly used, allowing you to get an accurate digital model of the body in seconds. Such data takes into account all the curves and features – the shape of the shoulders, the line of the back, the deflections, which is critical when creating clothing that fits tightly to the body.
The scan model is loaded into computer-aided design systems, where personalized patterns are created. They are adapted to a specific athlete, taking into account the elasticity of the fabric and the required level of compression. This is especially important for those with non-standard proportions – for example, long arms or a short torso. Clothes sewn according to such patterns fit perfectly: they do not slip, do not restrict movement and do not interfere with the view during exercises. A tight fit improves comfort, increases freedom of movement and even aerodynamics, which can have a positive effect on results. The form becomes “invisible”, without distracting the gymnast. In addition, modern technologies allow scanning not only in a static pose, but also in motion or typical sports positions to take into account the behavior of the fabric in real conditions.
Some companies are already using dynamic modeling to identify areas in advance where fabric needs to be added or the cut changed. This reduces the number of fittings and increases accuracy from the first time. However, despite the digital approach, the final fitting is still important to confirm comfort in practice.
In other sports, 3D scanning has long been used to produce personalized helmets, shoes, gloves. In gymnastics, customization used to concern only the appearance of the suit, especially for women, but now it is actively extending to the functional aspect – precise fit and comfort.
The process includes scanning, digital design, automated cutting or knitting of the product. The result is clothing that accurately follows the shape of the body. This approach increases athlete confidence, eliminates discomfort and, as technology advances, may become the new standard in professional equipment.
Ergonomics and freedom of movement
Ergonomics of gymnastics clothing means that it fully corresponds to the movements of the body. The suit should not only not restrict, but also support the gymnast, repeating each movement. If the cut is incorrect, discomfort or pressure may occur in certain positions, so special design elements are used: wedges in the groin and underarms, raglan sleeves, elastic inserts for freedom of movement.
The optimal effect is achieved when using fabrics with four-way elasticity (4-way stretch), which stretch in all directions. This allows you to perform even complex elements – splits, bends, arm raises – without resistance from the fabric. Research shows that adaptive suits provide a full range of motion, comparable to the anatomical maximum.
Compression clothing with the right pressure does not limit mobility and can even improve proprioception and joint support. It is important to maintain a balance: pressure above 40 mm Hg can cause discomfort. Therefore, when designing an adaptive uniform, pressure maps are taken into account to evenly distribute the load – especially in areas such as the chest and shoulders for men, where it is important not to interfere with breathing and circulation.
Gymnastics uniforms must cope with extreme body movements – bending, twisting, jumping. Elastic seams, soft armholes, flexible collars are used. In critical areas – for example, in the groin – special inserts are used to prevent tears and tightness.
In addition to mobility, clothing can provide muscle support. New developments use zones with increased elasticity, similar to kinesio tapes – for the lower back, knees, etc. Sometimes gradient compression is used, where the pressure decreases from the bottom to the top – this helps blood flow and reduces muscle fatigue. Experiments have shown that such support can improve the performance of elements by 10-15%.
We must not forget about psychological comfort: the uniform should sit securely, not shift or interfere. This increases the gymnast's confidence in himself and in the result. It is especially important for women – the correct fit reduces the need to fix the clothes with glue.
Bottom line: ergonomics is achieved through:
– Adapted cut based on the biomechanics of movements;
– Fabrics with high elasticity and comfortable compression;
– Muscle support and reliable fixation without discomfort.
Well-designed clothing works with the athlete, not against him.
Fig. 1
Thermoregulation and moisture management systems
During training and performances, the gymnast's body emits heat and sweat. Although classes are held indoors, control of body temperature and skin moisture remains critically important. Clothing affects heat exchange, so the task of adaptive clothing is not only not to interfere with cooling, but also to actively support it.
Modern fabrics are designed with these tasks in mind. They remove sweat from the skin and promote its evaporation. Unlike cotton, which absorbs moisture, synthetic microfibers transport it to the outside, where it quickly evaporates. For example, polyester retains much less moisture than cotton, due to its low moisture absorption.
Special technologies are used to enhance cooling: two-layer fabrics (the inner layer removes sweat, the outer layer evaporates), mesh inserts in areas of active heat generation (back, armpits), as well as coatings and additives that increase thermal conductivity. Some fabrics contain phase-change microcapsules (PCM), which temporarily accumulate heat, smoothing out peaks of overheating.
Passive ventilation is also actively used – perforations and mesh inserts. This is especially effective in combination with a moisture-wicking fabric structure. Many brands use these solutions under different names (Dri-Fit, CoolMax), but the essence is the same: the skin should remain dry.
It is also important how the fabric behaves at rest. Wet cotton can quickly overcool the body during breaks. Modern synthetic materials dry faster and do not create a feeling of cold.
Fig. 2
Key features of adaptive clothing:
1. Effective moisture wicking: quickly removes sweat from the skin surface.
2. Maintains a comfortable temperature: due to heat-conducting and “breathable” structures.
3. Quick drying: especially important during breaks between sets.
4. Ventilation: mesh, inserts and two-layer fabrics improve evaporation.
Thus, a well-chosen uniform not only does not interfere with thermoregulation, but also helps the body maintain balance – allowing the gymnast to train and perform without discomfort from heat, humidity or cold.
Biomechanical testing and feedback from athletes
Gymnastics clothing development is impossible without practical testing and feedback from the athletes themselves. Even the most carefully thought-out designs require testing in real conditions – both through objective measurements and subjective assessment.
Video capture systems and sensors allow you to track the amplitude of movements in different suits. For example, if the angle of arm lift decreases in one of the samples, this is a signal that the cut needs to be changed. Pressure sensors are also used to check whether the fabric is squeezing in certain areas, especially in difficult poses. If the permissible pressure is exceeded, blood circulation may be impaired, so it is important to calculate the compression correctly.
Abrasion resistance tests are carried out: how the fabric behaves under friction, stretching, and repeated jumps are checked. For example, a suit for ring exercises must withstand intense contact with belts and not rub the skin.
Subjective feedback plays a special role. Gymnasts report discomfort: where it pulls, rubs, overheats or interferes with movement. Such feedback allows you to refine the cut, choose a different fabric or change the fit. Sometimes even small details – like the feel of the seams – affect comfort and results.
Psychological comfort is also important: a comfortable and well-fitting uniform increases confidence. An athlete who is not distracted by clothing shows better results. During the iterative development, prototypes are tested, comments are collected, and the design is improved. For example, after the introduction of seamless technology, compression was adjusted and textured elements were added for better orientation on the body.
Robotic mannequins are also used for preliminary tests. They do not replace a live athlete, but they allow you to exclude unsuccessful models. The properties of the fabric are also checked: temperature and humidity sensors are installed to understand how comfortable the microclimate inside the suit is.
Durability tests are carried out during long-term wear. If the form loses elasticity, wears out quickly or becomes deformed, this is a reason to reconsider the materials or technology.
Prospects for Development and Innovation in Adaptive Sportswear
The development of gymnastics uniforms goes beyond aesthetics – they are becoming a full-fledged technological partner for athletes. Here are the key areas that will determine the future of adaptive equipment.
1. Smart technologies in clothing
Uniforms with built-in sensors and flexible electronics are already being tested. Such suits can track body position, joint movements, and even transmit biometric data in real time. Combining with AI allows you to analyze technique and give recommendations. In the future, the suit itself will “prompt” movement errors or warn about overloads.
2. Materials with adaptive properties
Fabrics are being developed that change their characteristics depending on the conditions. For example, when heated, ventilation pores open, and under load, the rigidity of certain areas increases to support the joints. This will provide dynamic thermoregulation and stabilization during performances.
3. Improved compression and support
Future clothing will specifically enhance support where it is needed: the lower back, knees, and calves. 3D weaving technologies allow zones with different compression to be laid down directly during production, which increases functionality without compromising freedom of movement.
4. Environmental friendliness and new fibers
Materials made from recycled plastic and biopolymers are being actively introduced, as well as waste-free technologies, such as 3D knitting. Fibers with nanoparticles are promising – they are durable, lightweight, and capable of conducting current for sensors.
5. AR and digital design
In the future, AR technologies will allow athletes and coaches to try on suits in a virtual environment, immediately seeing how they will sit and work in motion. This will speed up the process of coordinating and personalizing the form.
6. Aesthetics as functionality
We expect the appearance of suits that change color when muscles tense or use lighting effects for shows. The design can also be adapted to the athlete's personality type or program style, enhancing confidence and emotional involvement.
Conclusion
Creating adaptive clothing for gymnasts is a synthesis of knowledge from anatomy, biomechanics, materials science and engineering design. Given the specific body types of gymnasts – flexibility, developed muscles, short stature and low body fat percentage – the equipment must be as functional as possible: not restrictive, moisture and heat wicking, and precise to the body.
Modern synthetic fabrics and 3D scanning technologies allow for a perfect fit and high comfort. Biomechanical tests show that this form does not limit mobility and can even support muscles, improving body perception in motion.
It is especially important to take into account the opinions of the athletes themselves – they are the ones who help bring the product to the desired level. Prospects include smart fabrics with sensors, adjustable compression, eco-friendly materials and personalized production.
Innovations must be implemented taking into account sports ethics: clothing should not become an advantage that violates equal conditions. Adaptive uniforms are not just clothing, but a tool that can support an athlete in their quest for high results, safety and a long career.
References:
1. Claessens et al. (1999) – Studied the body measurements of top gymnasts and found they are usually shorter and lighter than average.
2. Stone et al. (2016) – Explained that flexibility is a key skill in gymnastics, developed through years of training.
3. RGMIG (2020) – Gave practical advice on gymnastics clothing: it should be comfortable, breathable, hypoallergenic, and fit well.
4. SC Kometa (2019) – Talked about the importance of elastic, body-hugging clothing for better technique control and compared synthetic fabrics with cotton.
5. Stoianovici & Gîrşak (2019) – Reviewed sports fabrics like polyester and elastane, showing they help with moisture control and free movement.
6. Sports Medicine – Open (2020) – Looked at how sports clothing affects body temperature, and how modern fabrics help cool the body and remove sweat.
7. Chua, J. (2018) – Explained how 3D scanning is used to make custom sports gear that improves comfort, movement, and performance.
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