Combining her expertise in fashion with applications in healthcare, Professor Joanne Yip from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is transforming the field of functional garments to enhance patient outcomes and promote human well-being, reflecting core ESG values. As Associate Dean and Professor at the School of Fashion and Textiles, she specializes in intimate apparel and activewear, with research encompassing scoliosis treatments, innovative materials, textile surface treatments, and seamless garment techniques. Her groundbreaking nighttime brace for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has gained international acclaim, earning two prestigious awards at the 2024 Silicon Valley International Inventions Festival (SVIIF).
Innovation in Scoliosis Treatment: A Nighttime Brace Making a Difference
Discussing the motivation behind this invention, Professor Yip highlighted that primary scoliosis in adolescents is a relatively prevalent issue, affecting approximately 3-5% of this population. The conventional treatment involves wearing a corrective brace for 23 hours daily over a period of two to three years. However, traditional braces often prioritize practicality and functionality, neglecting aesthetics and comfort, which results in low compliance rates among adolescents and associated psychological stress. To address these challenges, Professor Yip and her team integrated cutting-edge technology with clinical research and material science to develop a corrective brace offering a customized solution for young patients. Unlike traditional braces, this garment-style brace ensures sufficient comfort during sleep. Its aesthetically pleasing design encourages adolescent patients to wear it willingly, thereby reducing psychological stress and effectively correcting spinal curvature.
Illustration of Functional Clothing
Broadening the Scope: Sports Bras for Elderly Women
Beyond adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, Professor Yip has also conducted research on sports bras for elderly women. She observed that most sports bras available in the market target young women. However, as societal awareness of health and fitness grows, individuals across all age groups are increasingly engaging in physical exercise. For elderly women, existing sports bras often fail to meet their needs due to changes in body shape, skin sensitivity, and mobility issues. In response, Professor Yip and her research team have actively explored and addressed the design requirements of sports bras for elderly women through comprehensive studies and experiments. They have provided valuable insights into the design of age-appropriate sports bras by employing more permeable physical and psychological boundaries within a conceptual framework.
Envisioning the Future: Expanding Fashion for Healthcare
Professor Yip stated, “Drawing on my expertise in fashion and design, I have developed a deep understanding of the properties and functions of diverse fabrics. The market continually poses challenges and reveals areas for improvement. By applying my skills to address these needs, I remain dedicated to advancing my research and exploration to benefit more people.”
Looking ahead, Professor Yip envisions expanding her efforts in fashion for healthcare to address the needs of diverse groups, including individuals with chronic conditions, athletes requiring specialized gear, and patients in need of post-surgical garments. Her future initiatives aim to leverage advancements in textile engineering, such as smarter and more adaptive fabrics, while responding to the growing demand for personalized healthcare solutions. Additionally, an increased awareness of patient comfort continues to drive innovation in her work, ensuring that functional garments not only enhance well-being but also cater to unique medical and lifestyle needs.
