Polyester/graphene nanopowder (GNP) pressure garments as a potential use for rehabilitation of cerebral palsy (CP)

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) refers to a group of disorders that affect muscle movement and coordination. In many cases, vision, hearing, and sensation are also affected. One of the conditions is associated with contracture are occured when the muscles get locked in painful positions as CP is the most common cause of motor disabilities in childhood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it affects at least 1,5 to 4 out of every 1,000 children worldwide. In this study, warp knitted fabrics were designed of PET/ graphene nanopowder (GNP) yarns and then the fabrics were characterized with antimicrobial activity, electromagnetic shielding properties, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses, stiffness tests at MD and CD (machine and cross direction) and pressure measurements. Test results showed that the newly designed pressure garments will prevent complications, enhance the motor skills and ability to communicate for future designs during physical therapy rehabilitation. © 2019 Chamber of Textile Engineers.