Urinary incontinence and the practice of water sports – developing a swimsuit solution

Abstract

This paper aims to present the development of some design proposals of swimsuits destined to people who suffer from urinary incontinence. The incontinence is a clinical situation that affects a big number of people worldwide, because of this problem they are abstain to practice water sports and hydrotherapy treatments. This investigation studies the clinical problem, also the research about the existing products on the market and the textile materials for swimsuits, and tries to give a functional answer to the problem ensuring also a good aesthetic appeal, which normally is absent on the products available in the market. Thus is proposed six models of products combining inclusive design, functionality and aesthetic appeal.