Assessment and analysis of the ergonomic aspects of a modern sports suits for military personnel: comfort, freedom of movement, adaptability to various conditions

Alekseev Aleksei Viktorovich ORCID: 0009-0008-7609-4409 Postgraduate student, Department of Theory and History of Culture, St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design 18 Bolshaya Morskaya str., Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russia Alekseev261289@yandex.ru Other publications by this author

introduction

The assessment and analysis of the ergonomic aspects of a modern sports suit for military personnel includes several key factors such as comfort, freedom of movement and adaptability to various conditions ^[1]. A tracksuit should provide the wearer with a feeling of comfort for a long time. This includes proper ventilation, moisture removal from the body, fit, body-friendly materials and the absence of irritating elements.

 Military personnel should be able to move freely in a tracksuit, without experiencing restrictions during physical activity. The design of the costume should take into account the anatomical features of the body and ensure a suitable fit. A tracksuit should be able to adapt to different climatic conditions, including warm weather, cold, humidity or dryness. This may include the presence of additional layers of clothing, the ability to adjust ventilation or protection from wind and water ^[2].

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the main ergonomic aspects of a modern sports suit for military personnel.

THE THEORETICAL PART

A tracksuit for military personnel means a special set of clothes designed for training and sports, physical exercises. A tracksuit is made of a comfortable fabric that is able to provide comfort during physical activity. Modern tracksuits for military personnel are made of breathable and water-repellent fabric. It should provide comfort when moving. The suit is made of lightweight and elastic material ^[3].

Currently, various technologies for sewing military sports suits are used, for example, mechanical stretch. Additionally, the fabrics are treated with a special water-repellent composition. Modern fabrics are used for production – fabrics with compression technology, "smart fabrics", nanotubes, biodegradable fabrics ^[4]. Special clothing is used to protect against wind, for insulation. Modern clothing contains thermal insulation fabrics, fabrics with high vapor permeability. In general, there is every reason to assert that a modern tracksuit for a serviceman is not only comfortable, but also practical. It is convenient for performing various physical exercises, has protective and health-saving characteristics ^[5].

When evaluating a modern sports suit for military personnel according to the comfort parameter, the following criteria should be taken into account:

1. Materials: The use of soft, breathable and body-friendly materials that provide a comfortable feeling and good ventilation.

2. Fit: The tracksuit should have a proper fit, not restrict movement and be securely fixed on the body to ensure comfort in wearing.

3. Absence of irritating elements: the suit should not have seams that can cause discomfort or irritation on the skin of a serviceman ^[6].

4. Ventilation and moisture removal: it is important that the suit provides good ventilation and moisture removal from the body, especially during intense physical exertion.

5. Convenience in various weather conditions: The tracksuit must be adapted to different weather conditions, providing protection from cold, moisture or heat, depending on the specific situation.

6. Ergonomic design: The suit should be designed taking into account the anatomical features of the body to ensure an optimal fit and comfort when performing various movements ^[7].

The evaluation of a modern sports suit for military personnel according to the parameter "freedom of movement" is critically important, taking into account the peculiarities and requirements of their professional activities. When assessing the freedom of movement in a tracksuit for military personnel, the following parameters must be taken into account:

1. Fit and cut: the suit should have an optimal fit, providing freedom of movement in various planes and angles. This is especially important for active training or tasks where a wide range of movements is required.

2. Elastic materials: The use of elastic materials, such as special sports fabrics, adds flexibility and allows the suit to adjust to the movements of the soldier, providing him with freedom without restrictions.

3. Minimization of seams: fewer seams in the suit — more freedom of movement. Flat seams or seamless manufacturing technologies help to reduce friction and provide additional comfort in movement.

4. Element design: the placement of cutouts, elastic inserts and other structural elements should be thought out so as not to restrict the movement of the serviceman and ensure maximum freedom in all circumstances ^[8].

5. Length range: the ability to adjust the length of trousers and sleeves allows you to adapt the suit to individual characteristics and preferences, provides comfort when performing various exercises.

6. Ventilation: Good ventilation of materials helps to prevent overheating and provides a comfortable environment for movement. Ventilation openings or special moisture removal technologies contribute to maintaining an optimal microclimate in the suit ^[3].

General freedom of movement in a modern sports suit for military personnel plays a key role in ensuring comfort, efficiency and safety in the performance of their official duties ^[2]. The suit should have a loose fit and an optimal length of sleeves and trousers so as not to restrict the movement of the serviceman. A suitable fit, taking into account anatomical features, allows for comfort and freedom in various positions. To reduce the effect of friction and provide additional flexibility, it is recommended to minimize the number and volume of seams, as well as use seamless manufacturing technologies in critical areas ^[9].

The presence of ventilation holes or special inserts for removing moisture helps to maintain an optimal comfortable microclimate inside the suit, which is especially important during intense physical exertion. The suit can be additionally equipped with wind, rain, and sun protection technologies ^[10].

A modern tracksuit for military personnel should have high adaptability to various conditions, which includes:

1. Adaptation to climatic conditions. So, the suit should be made of fabrics that will provide air permeability, which will be able to regulate body temperature, depending on what temperature conditions a person is in. For example, in hot weather, due to the presence of ventilation systems, it is possible to drain liquid, which ensures good thermoregulation. The presence of insulating layers allows you to feel warmth and comfort in the cold season at subzero temperatures.

2. Protection from the adverse effects of external factors. So, the suit should provide reliable protection against factors such as wind, snow, hail, icy rain, and adverse effects of sunlight. The suit should provide the serviceman with a comfortable condition in all weather conditions, since this is an important condition for his high efficiency, efficiency, a means of maintaining good health and optimal physical shape.

3. Flexibility and versatility. These are important characteristics that a tracksuit for a serviceman should have. It should be suitable for all conditions and activities, including hiking, sports training, and everyday activities ^[11].

4. Ergonomics and functionality. The suit should have an ergonomic design that provides a person with ease of movement, does not restrict or restrict movement, and takes into account the anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of a person. Functionality is also enhanced if the suit additionally contains convenient pockets, fasteners, and various adjustable elements that ensure an optimal fit for the suit.

5. Convenience, compact size, lightness. The suit should be durable, comfortable, and portable. It should be convenient to transport and store. He must be prepared for the fact that he will need to be dressed at any time, without prior preparation and processing ^[12].

An important condition for tracksuits for military personnel is versatility ^[13]. As a rule, modern tracksuits for military personnel use a layer system, as well as additional protection and security systems. This is due to the fact that, as a rule, a serviceman does not have the opportunity to change clothes repeatedly as weather conditions change. Therefore, the suit should easily adapt to various weather conditions, including sudden changes ^[14].

THE PRACTICAL PART

Theoretical analysis has shown that a modern sports suit for military personnel is a form of clothing designed for sports training, physical exercises, and sports. Such a suit has the ability to adapt to any task in various climatic and weather conditions. This is a critical point that is taken into account when designing a modern costume. Climatic conditions are not the same in different regions, they differ dramatically, ranging from Arctic cold to tropical heat. The optimal suit is a suit that provides both hypothermia protection and overheating protection. At the same time, a stable body temperature is maintained ^[12].

A modern suit is able to maintain the specified conditions for a long time ^[15]. The adaptation of a tracksuit to climatic conditions is one of the main factors of a serviceman's safety ^[16]. This is an important factor in maintaining health, preventing diseases, increasing motivation and combat readiness, confidence, and professional competence ^[17].

Therefore, we further analyzed the main temperature conditions on the territory of the Russian Federation, and studied the relationship between weather conditions and the types of tracksuits used by military personnel. Table 1 presents an analysis of the main temperature regimes in the territory of the Russian Federation.

Table 1. – Temperature regimes in various regions of the Russian Federation

The Order of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation dated 04/20/2023 No. 230 "On approval of the Manual on Physical training in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation" (registered with the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on 06/20/2023 No. 73917) contains an appendix "Manual on physical training in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation" (Order No. 230 dated 04/20/2023). This appendix describes in detail the options for modern tracksuits for military personnel (Table 2).

Table 2. – Forms of clothing depending on weather conditions

Let's take a closer look at the tracksuits for military personnel currently in use.

A variant of the form of clothing N 1C (sports).  In swimming trunks, slippers, (swimming cap, swimming glasses) - for swimming pools and compliance with swimming regulations. By the decision of the head of the class, the form N 1C in swimming trunks and slippers is used when conducting classes in open reservoirs (Fig.1).

Figure 1. - A variant of the form of clothing N 1C (sports)

A variant of the form of clothing N 2C. In sports shorts, T-shirt (T-shirt), sports shoes. By the decision of the head of the class, physical training is carried out without a T-shirt and using a headdress (Fig.2).

Figure 2. - A variant of the form of clothing N 2C

A variant of the form of clothing N 3C. In a sports (training) suit, athletic shoes. By the decision of the head of the class, physical training is carried out without a jacket and using a headdress and gloves (Fig.3).

Figure 3. - A variant of the form of clothing N 3 With

A variant of the form of clothing N 4C. In an insulated sports (training) suit, athletic shoes, headdress, gloves (Fig.4).

Figure 4. - A variant of the form of clothing N 4C

At the beginning of the century, the main focus was on improving the strength and resistance of materials to external influences. The developments were aimed at finding a balance between durability and comfort, which led to the use of new synthetic materials that provide better protection while maintaining mobility.

In particular, improved water-repellent and ventilated materials were used to ensure a high level of comfort during exercises and maneuvers. This approach to training improves the overall combat readiness and physical fitness of military personnel, which is crucial for the effective performance of tasks in a modern military environment.

Durability is another important feature of a military tracksuit, providing durability and resistance to mechanical damage. The developers use high-strength synthetic fibers such as Kevlar or nylon, which give the material high wear resistance, as well as tear and shear resistance. This is especially important during intense physical exertion and contact with various surfaces and objects. The lightness and flexibility of materials also play an important role in ensuring the mobility and comfort of military personnel. The use of elastic fabrics that ensure freedom of movement without additional stress is the key to the successful completion of any sports tasks.

The design uses bright colors (white, blue, red) to not only improve the aesthetic appearance, but also increase safety by providing better visibility for military personnel during training. At the same time, national elements were preserved in the form that reflect cultural traditions.

We analyzed the main ergonomic characteristics of tracksuits for military personnel (Table.3) ^{[18; 19; 20]}.

Table 3. – Analysis of the ergonomic characteristics of tracksuits for military personnel

In general, the N 1 C form is widely used for water sports training. However, its use is limited to a swimming pool, an open reservoir. This form is not suitable for other conditions. It cannot be called universal. We see directions for further improvement of this form in the application of advanced technologies and materials for production. It is advisable to use and develop modern fabrics that will provide increased elasticity, durability, which will protect the fabric from chlorine exposure. For a better fit, to prevent chafing, it is necessary to select such fabrics that will take into account the anatomical features of the body, respectively, will increase comfort and safety of movements. It is also recommended to use innovative elements, for example, internal shock-absorbing layers (protection from bruises), important elements that will provide more effective size control and more reliable fixation. The use of ultra-lightweight materials will increase the buoyancy and speed of movement in the water.

The N 2C shape can be optimized through size control and fixation technologies. This will significantly increase comfort and freedom of movement. It is worth giving preference to fabrics that have a high ability to remove moisture, in addition, the functions of dehumidification and ventilation are needed. To make a headdress, it is necessary to use special fabrics that increase breathability, which will prevent overheating and moisture retention. You also need to opt for the use of special fabrics that will provide protection from ultraviolet light and sunlight.

The form N 3C can be improved by using technologically innovative materials that will increase ventilation and moisture drainage, which will increase the degree of protection from sunlight. It is also important to create suits that will be versatile and multifunctional, with additional pockets, replaceable temperature control elements. This will increase adaptability. 

To improve the shape of No. 4 C, work can be carried out in the following directions: to increase the ventilation of the suit. For example, the use of more ventilated materials and holes in the suit will prevent hypothermia and overheating. It is important to create a design that does not restrict movement. It is also necessary to select materials that will have high thermal insulation. Adding a warming layer can significantly insulate the suit.

conclusion

The ideal materials for a sports suit for military personnel are textile fabrics with good breathable properties, such as polyester, elastane, nylon or special fabrics with moisture removal technology. The suit should have a loose fit, which will ensure a comfortable fit and freedom of movement. It is recommended to minimize the number of seams and use flat seams or seamless manufacturing technologies. The materials of the suit must provide good ventilation and moisture removal to prevent overheating and discomfort during physical exertion. The suit should be designed taking into account the anatomical features of the body, provide protection from chafing, and be lightweight and comfortable to wear in various conditions.

In order for a military suit to provide optimal freedom of movement, it must be designed and manufactured taking into account the basic ergonomic parameters. The use of high-quality elastic fabrics, such as stretch materials (elastane, lycra) or special technologically advanced sports materials with antistatic and moisture-wicking properties, promotes flexibility and comfort during movements.

Important characteristics of a tracksuit for military personnel also include the fact that it must be stable, it must not wear out quickly. As a rule, special durable wear-resistant materials are used for the manufacture of such suits, which ensure durability, taking into account the fact that the material of the suit will be intensively used, will be exposed to various factors, including unfavorable ones. The suit should also withstand friction well, should stretch well and quickly come into shape, while maintaining all the original characteristics, the original appearance.

We have analyzed the main variants of modern domestic costumes. It was found that, in general, they meet the basic requirements for tracksuits for military personnel. They have an average with a high degree of comfort, adaptability to changing conditions, and an average and high degree of freedom of movement. Each of the shape options has both its disadvantages and its advantages. We have identified the main directions for improving tracksuits for military personnel.