Opinion of the Mothers about the Specially Designed Garments

 

All the garments are not only functional but could also be used as outer wear, and casual dresses. In fact mothers expressed that these garments though differ from normal ones in the constructional details but not in general appearance.

 

This may be due to no such special garments were available in the local market that could provide comfort to cerebral palsy children. Though features like padding in seat region, suspenders for the capries, side seam placket opening for pant, centre back full opening were incorporated in the special garments, were also made appear as normal.

 

The special features incorporated were more of functional in nature than decorative, hence appeared similar to normal garments.

 

Opinion of the mothers about special features in the newly designed special garments. In case of upper garments the special features such as back opening and loops at the shoulders were highly functional.

 

Further all the mothers opined that, the special features which are incorporated in the leg wear viz., fully elasticized waist band, reinforced padding from waist up to mid thigh, suspenders, elastic band at flare, side seam zipper from ankle to knee and shorts with wraparound flap were highly functional in the newly designed functional garments.

 

Because, back opening was highly functional for easy and quick donning and doffing of the upper garments, where as shoulder loops kept the suspenders in the correct position and helped to hold the lower garment at waist line.

 

Elastic waist band was the most appropriate secure to manipulate easy donning and doffing of the lower garments.

 

Since all the children most of the time crawl, padding was given to the leg wear from waist up to mid thigh with an intension that it would provide softness, support and protect the seat. On the other hand suspenders were used to hold or support the garments since the children have very weak, thin and narrow waist, which needed special attention.

 

Elastic band with sufficient fullness around the flare of leg wear was very much practical since both the legs were well defined to slip on and slip off the lower garments, no hurdles while walking. In the trouser, side zipper from ankle to knee was specially adapted for easy wear of the spints.

 

The third leg wear was so well designed that in spite of being a shorts, it appeared like a wraparound skirt from front view. The feature of wraparound flap was adapted to avoid awkwardness or odd sight of the children while crawling.

 

Preference for Newly Designed Special Garments

 

All the mothers opined that, a short with wraparound flap - top was first in the order of preference whereas second preference was given to Capri with suspenders - top. Third preference was given to trouser - top.

 

The reasons quoted were that the first two garments were much more accepted with respect to aesthetic appearance, comfortability, durability and functionality compared to trouser - top because the boot cut would easily get soiled/dirty while toileting.