Electronic knitwear for health: monitoring, therapy, and comfort

This study explores the development of smart electronic textiles (E-textiles) crafted from knitted fabrics, designed for everyday wear and specifically engineered to meet the needs of individuals with chronic conditions. We propose the design of a vest and knee braces equipped with heating elements and specialised sensors for monitoring human body temperature. The ergonomic structure of these garments ensures their suitability for both athletes during training sessions and for everyday wear. The products are made from wool yarn using various knitting techniques, including double jersey, press stitch, and 2x2 ribbing. During the development of the knee braces, samples of varying densities were examined, employing the double jersey technique. The edges of the braces were finished with ribbing to ensure secure fixation due to its superior dimensional stability. For the main section of the vest, a press stitch was selected, providing excellent shape retention, a three-dimensional texture, and enhanced thermal insulation—qualities that make it ideal for warm clothing. The lower part of the vest incorporates double jersey knitting to ensure structural integrity and facilitate the integration of electronic components. The heating elements and temperature sensors are integrated through specially designed openings formed during the knitting process using double jersey construction.

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