Improved underpants to reduce toileting problems in patients with poor standing balance

[Purpose] We developed and assessed improved underpants allowing patients to easily and completely open the crotch by pulling upward a string on the back of the underpants while seated. [Subjects and Methods] Healthy subjects tested commercial open-crotch underpants for disabled people and our improved open-crotch underpants by opening the crotch while seated. Measurement parameters included the percentage of crotch opening and the degree of genital or anal exposure before and after opening the crotch, as well as fit. The percentage of crotch opening and the degree of genital or anal exposure were recorded with a digital camera, and fit was determined with a visual analog scale. The measurements for both types of underpants were then compared. [Results] The commercial underpants for disabled people allowed opening of the crotch while seated, but the exposure of the genital and anal areas was insufficient to allow waste elimination. The improved underpants allowed sufficient opening of the crotch while seated and adequately exposed the genital and anal areas. The fit score of the improved underpants was significantly better than that of the commercial underpants. [Conclusion] The improved open-crotch underpants may allow for more effective opening of the crotch while seated than commercial open-crotch underpants for disabled people.