Supporting the regeneration of muscle mass by facillitating blood circulation

20 February 2026 by Tilly. K

2026

Many chemotherapy patients experience cachexia and peripheral neuropathy as a side effect of treatment. These conditions are estimated to occur in up to 80% of individuals with advanced cancer, leading to skeletal muscle mass depletion (5-13%), negatively impacting physical function to the nerves that carry messages around the nervous system. I propose to design a garment for patients experiencing weakness, discomfort and stress during treatment that further provides support and relaxation throughout treatment and recovery. The final design will include gentle weight to promote the circulation of blood throughout the body which will stimulate the regeneration of lost muscle.

What do you think?

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Comments

UpRising @ 2026.02.22 4:34 PM

Fantastic idea Tilly. So many important factors effecting your design and lots of potential. What are two or three things you need to help develop this project?

Kind regards,

Tilly. K @ 2026.02.23 4:34 PM

@Uprising, Thank you so much! What a great question. I am seeking collaboration with individuals who have experience with Biocompatible and/or Hypoallergenic biomaterials that are suitable to patients with skin sensitivities. I would also appreciate if anyone has any knowledge or connections to further ways of stimulating blood circulation throughout the body.

Thanks, Tilly.

UpRising @ 2026.02.26 4:34 PM

Such an interesting idea Tilly. Are you thinking of bringing in some haptic design features into the garment?

Homepage - TSL Australia https://share.google/GAMLUrWyaKvwNaAuh

Tilly. K @ 2026.03.02 4:34 PM

@Uprising Great Idea. I have thought about including a sensory fabric choice around the front panels of the shawl, and the rest will be made from some sort of hypoallergenic biomaterial. Do you have any other recommendations on ways I could incorporate haptics?

Thank you!

Anne Bamford @ 2026.03.13 4:34 PM
Wow! As Director of the International Research Agency and Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney, I am deeply impressed by the empathy and insight behind your project. Designing a garment that supports chemotherapy patients experiencing cachexia and neuropathy shows a remarkable commitment to using design to improve real lives. Your idea to incorporate gentle weight to encourage circulation and comfort is thoughtful and innovative. Projects like yours demonstrate how design can bridge science, care, and human experience. I encourage you to keep exploring how materials, form, and wellbeing intersect.

Tilly. K @ 2026.03.14 4:34 PM
@Anne Bamford, Thank you so much for your comment, I really appreciate it, please let me know if you have any suggestions or refinements that will help me with my project. Kind regards

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