Design of Intelligent Garment with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Function Based on the Intarsia Knitting Technique

This paper describes the work that was carried out on the design for intelligent wearable garment with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) function from a knitwear design perspective. It is perceived that good design is essential for the development of textile-related products for medical function. The knitwear technique, garment design skill, Chinese acupuncture therapeutic method and TENS technology were integrated interactively in an intelligent TENS garment. The garment was observed to have more advantages than ones incorporating TENS device, such as it readily, quickly and easily targeted the back of the body; it was more flexible in the treatment by accommodating different numbers and locations of acupuncture points; it was light, washable, flexible, inexpensive and relatively simple to manufacture. This work aimed to develop a knitwear design based on intarsia knitting technique by using proposed textile electrode and conductive yarn to create a novel therapeutic method for healthcare through dressing. Experimental results revealed that the knitwear could achieve better results in performance than those incorporating the TENS therapeutic method.