Abstract
We investigate the changes in torso body surface with upper limb movement, and employ these data for designing the new tsumeeri uniform. The areas of greatest body surface extension/contraction comprise the shoulders, dorsal area of armpit, and hip/buttock region. Based on these data, proposals are made for changes to shoulder pads, use of retention wire in the shoulders, and changes in the uniform pattern. We next evalute the new prototype by electromyogram and subjective declarations. Regarding shoulder refoems, the former suggested a reducton of muscular burden was achieved in the trapezius muscle and distal regions and the middle deltoides muscle, while the latter reported a significant improvement in tightness and ease of arm movement; i.e., the reforms proved effecyive. Regarding subtle changes in pattern design, while muscle load was reduced in the trapezius muscle and distal regions as well as the anterior deltoides muscle, no significant difference was reported by subjective declaretion.
