A comparison of the absorption properties between high percentage cotton and bamboo socks in a young adult population

Abstract

Background: Socks, play a vital role in our everyday life, yet their significant is often underestimated. They are worn directly against the skin on daily basis and exposed to humid conditions due to sweat. Therefore, the properties and comfort of the textiles, used in socks are crucial factors to consider. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate if there is any difference in sock sweat absorption between bamboo and cotton socks. Additionally, it investigated foot skin temperature and comfort in relation to these materials. Method: An experimental study was conducted at the Biomechanics Laboratory within the Faculty of Health Sciences at Mater Dei Hospital. Twenty consenting participants (13 females and 7 males) were recruited for the study. They were instructed to recline in a supine position for 15 minutes without wearing shoes and socks, during which a thermal image of their feet was captured. Subsequently, participants were provided with two socks – one bamboo and one cotton – whose weights were measured by the researcher beforehand. To maintain blinding, participants were unaware which sock was cotton and which one was bamboo. Following this, participants completed a perceptual questionnaire to assess the comfort levels before starting on a 30-minute walk on a treadmill. Upon completing the walk, participants revaluated their comfort levels using the same perceptual scale. They then removed their shoes and socks for the capture of another thermal image, after which socks were reweighed to evaluate sweat absorption. Results: The mean weight difference of bamboo was significantly higher than the mean weight difference of cotton. (p-value = 0.001). The mean temperature difference in all three regions of interest indicated a slightly higher value for foot skin with bamboo socks compared to the contralateral foot with cotton socks. However, this disparity did not reach statistical significance. The participants recorded that the bamboo socks were felt significantly more comfortable and smoother when compared to cotton socks (p-value = 0.0015, 0.008) prior walking in them. After walking for 30-minutes in the socks, the participants recorded that bamboo socks were felt significantly more pleasant than cotton (p-value=0.0046). Conclusion The use of socks is a common practice all over the world and considered as an important foot garment that helps with absorbing sweat and avoiding several skin infections. From this study it was found that even though cotton is a very common sock fabric with good sweat absorption ability, bamboo socks have a greater ability to absorb sweat. Therefore, from these results, bamboo socks can be considered as a way to help those patients who need better absorption of sweat, such as those who suffer from hyperhidrosis, and those who are treating skin infections such as Tinea Pedis, Pitted Keratolysis, and dermatitis.