Body mapping of skin friction coefficient and tactile perception during the dynamic skin-textile interaction

The clothing fabric and skin interact continuously across the many regions on users` bodies during wear, which can lead to both physical skin damage and discomfort. Therefore, this investigation aimed to explore the regional differences in skin friction, tactile perception and sensitivity in both females and males during the skin-textile interaction. The static and dynamic friction coefficient and textile perceptions (texture, stickiness, pleasantness, and discomfort) were measured across the 36 selected testing body areas by using a friction measurement device. The results revealed there was a significant difference in skin friction, tactile perceptions, and sensitivity across the various body regions. The anterior neck had the highest skin friction in both females and males, and participants generally rated higher texture perception in their anterior aspects compared to posterior and lateral regions. There was no significant difference in skin friction, tactile perception ratings, and sensitivity between females and males.