How the position of an OBI affects the body sway, surface electromyography, and salivary amylase activity when wearing a KIMONO: Focusing on posture and classic movements

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the impact on the body of contemporary styles of wearing traditional Japanese KIMONO, assessing body sway, surface electromyography, salivary amylase activity, and clothing pressure in a survey sample of eight healthy young women. Four wearing patterns were compared: (1) without an OBI (KIMONO sash) (2) with an OBI in position 1 (under the bust) (3) with an OBI in position 2 (at the waist) and (4) with an OBI in position 3 (at me ilium). With each of these patterns, the subjects stood, sat, stood and bent forward, sat and bent forward, and stood on one foot (Japanese classic movement; ISSOKUDACHI). The findings showed that body trunk stability was higher and posture straighter when wearing an OBI than when not. However, with OBI position 2 (not a style actually in use), muscular activity was inhibited during movement and stress levels were high. With OBI position 1, the style actually practiced by contemporary women, muscular activity during movement was aided by the OBI, but clothing pressure impacted the front of the body and stress levels were high. It was demonstrated mat OBI position 3, the style in use among men, provides benefits in terms of stabilizing the body trunk, straightening posture, and alleviating muscle load during movement, as well as low stress levels.