Clothing and Dressing Needs of People with Arthritis

Abstract

Millions ofAmericans have some form of arthritis. The cumulative effects of aging can further negatively affect clothing dressing ease and the self-image of arthritics and elderly individuals. This research addressed clothing problems and solutions of nearly 800 Arizona residents with either rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. The majority (78%) who responded to the mailed survey were over age 50, and 77% were women. The subjects identified joint involvement that includedfingers, hands, knees, shoulders, and wrists and related effects of lack of mobility, dexterity, and lack of strength in hands and fingers. These physical effects of arthritis were manifested in clothing problems such as lack of comfort and unsuitable designs. Proper fit of clothing was a significant problem for females. Hands and wrist problems were significantly related to difficulty in manipulating fasteners. Difficult clothing design features included turtlenecks, long and set-in sleeves, and back closures for women and pullover sweaters, t-shirts, and ties for men. Suggestions for improving clothing design and dressing ease for arthritics included front openings, more give in waistlines, ease in shoulder area, larger openings for pants and skirts, larger armholes, and dressing straps.Arthritis, in its many forms, affects more people and is more disabling than all other musculoskeletal diseases combined (Grazier, Holbrook, Kelsey, & Stauffer, 1984). It also affects people of all ages, including children. Daily activities are complicated by a physical handicap such as arthritis, and the challenge of those activities is magnified because of the disease. Personal activities relating to the selection and care of clothing items and the task of dressing and undressing are more complicated for the arthritic.

Inclusive Design in Apparel Product Development for Working Women With Physical Disabilities

“…Two identical prototypes of the jacket were 304 FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES RESEARCH JOURNAL made up in fabric of desired weight and type (mid-weight 100% cotton solid body with lightweight polyester print lining), using construction techniques requested by some of the users, such as double-stitched seams and buttons with shanks. Front openings with closures were found in previous studies (Kernaleguen, 1978;Reich & Otten, 1991) to be more satisfactory than those in the back because of problems 306 FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES RESEARCH JOURNAL in arm and shoulder movement. Selected fashion and function features used in making the prototype were similar for all users.…”

“…To establish an initial understanding of these needs and preferences, research dating back across four decades from the 1960s to the present day was reviewed (e.g., Behrens, 1963;Frescura, 1963;Moran, 1976;Reich & Otten, 1991;Schwab & Sindelar, 1973;Warden & Dedmon, 1975). To establish an initial understanding of these needs and preferences, research dating back across four decades from the 1960s to the present day was reviewed (e.g., Behrens, 1963;Frescura, 1963;Moran, 1976;Reich & Otten, 1991;Schwab & Sindelar, 1973;Warden & Dedmon, 1975).…”

“…The data collection consisted of interviews according to three separate substeps: (a) gathering information on user physical limitations, (b) gathering information on user clothing needs and preferences, and (c) codesign process. In Substep B, or the second part of the interview, information about existing apparel problems, identified and predefined from previous literature (Behrens, 1963;Frescura, 1963;Kernaleguen, 1978;Moran, 1976;Reich & Otten, 1991;Schwab & Sindelar, 1973;Warden & Dedmon, 1975;White & Dallas, 1977), was obtained from the users. This adapted Enabler instrument was used to gather information about areas of the body affected by disability (see Figure 2).…”

“…A raglan sleeve is a "sleeve designed with seams that extend from underarm to neckline in slanted style" (Blair, 1992, p. 106). Deep sleeve openings allow more ease of movement through the arm and shoulder (Kernaleguen, 1978;Moran, 1976;Reich & Otten, 1991;Schwab & Sindelar, 1973). Deep sleeve openings allow more ease of movement through the arm and shoulder (Kernaleguen, 1978;Moran, 1976;Reich & Otten, 1991;Schwab & Sindelar, 1973).…”

“…Previous research on apparel for consumers with physical limitations has tended to view apparel design solutions for this market as very narrowly focused; at times a target market of one (e.g., Frescura, 1963;Moran, 1976;Phipps, 1977;Reich & Otten, 1991). The inherent difficulty of providing a satisfactory product to these consumers with similar clothing needs but diverse physical abilities prompted the researchers to investigate the possibility of broadening the traditional target market for an apparel product.…”