Among the various health problems suffered by employees, joint pain is one of the biggest factors in absenteeism. This type of problem is caused by various factors and is more common than pathological diseases, cardiovascular complaints and even diabetes.

Osteoarthritis in the upper joints, elbows and wrists, is a common complaint among workers who use pneumatic tools. Acromioclavicular shoulder joint pains are common in people in the construction sector, while hip osteoarthritis is mostly associated with workers in the agriculture sector. In mining, joint problems occur mostly in the knees. On the other hand, problems associated with the spine and the appearance of degenerative diseases or herniated discs is common in activities involving heavy lifting and carrying.

Therefore, there is a need for a project that encompasses the research and development of this type of article using state-of-the-art textile technologies, to achieve substantial improvements over existing articles, to prevent and treat joint injuries in the worker

The main objective of the  TECNOWORKproject focuses on the development of high-performance technical textiles for use in the workplace. The project pursues the development of compressive textile structures for orthosis articles, which provide the user with optimal levels of support and comfort, and reduce the risk of injury at work. The structures will be designed using technical fibres that guarantee optimum levels of stretch, compression and comfort, combined with functional fibres to provide the textile structures with beneficial properties for the user including freshness, cosmetic properties for skin care, as well as qualities for improving blood flow.

The type of orthotic articles under development are:

• Compressive items for the body – ORTHOPEDIC GIRDLE
• Compressive articles for joints – KNEE, ELBOW
• Posture correction – GLOVES FOR ARTHOSIS, WRISTBAND