ENHANCING ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE THROUGH TEXTILE CLOTHING ERGONOMICS: INVESTIGATING PRAXIS AND BODY COMFORT AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

This study investigates the role of textile clothing ergonomics in enhancing academic performance among students of FCT College of Education, Zuba, Abuja. Clothing ergonomics refers to the design and functionality of garments that support comfort, mobility, thermal regulation, and physical well-being during daily activities. The study examines students' understanding and practices of textile clothing ergonomics, explores the relationship between body comfort and academic performance, and identifies strategies for improving ergonomic clothing practices among students. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population consists of 3,361 students drawn from six schools within the college. A sample of 357 students is selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and validated by three experts in Textile Technology, Educational Research, and Measurement and Evaluation from FCT College of Education, Zuba and Federal University of Technology, Akure. The reliability of the instrument was determined through a pilot study using Cronbach's Alpha and a coefficient of 0.84 was obtained. The study was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while findings revealed that ergonomic clothing significantly influences students' comfort, concentration, participation in academic activities, and overall academic performance. It was recommended that the Students should prioritize comfort, fit, and functionality when selecting clothing for academic activities amongst many recommendations that are provided for them, educational institutions, clothing designers, and policymakers.