Flexible all-textile dual tactile-tension sensors for monitoring athletic motion during taekwondo

A smart garment as a “second skin,” is the goal to achieve a similar level of multiple stimuli as the quantified sensitivity of skin, and most emerging electronic textiles (E-textiles) simply combined discrete sensors with single function to recognize multiple stimuli. However, such strategy usually leads to complicated stitching E-textiles and unsatisfied wear experience, especially under large strain and pressure deformations. Herein, we propose “all in one” E-textile with a dual tactile and tension stimulus response. This dual response is facilely enabled by a composite textile assembly with core-sheath yarn and spacer fabric. A significant challenge that limits this dual-sensing technology is the so-called “double solution phenomenon” that occurs when the core-sheath yarn demonstrates nonmonotone response along stretching deformation. We solve this challenge by coating the yarns with an insulating polyurethane layer prior to twisting. It is demonstrated that our E-textile exhibits a wide deformation range (up to 90%), a wide pressure detection range (up to 110 kPa), good durability (~100,000 cycles), good hand washability, water vapour permeability, and air breathability. Our fabric-based sensing technology allows for precise monitoring of athletic movement and form, illustrating its potential application in Taekwondo and robust physical training analysis.