Effects of wearing of metacarpal gloves on hand dexterity, function, and perceived comfort: A pilot study

Evaluating gloved hand performance based on the mechanical properties of the applied material

The hands are the most complex organs of the body for performing various activities. Therefore, it is critical to protect them against dangers. Protective gloves can reduce or prevent injuries, but they can downgrade hand performance in various aspects, including tactile sensitivity, strength, grip force and hand dexterity. In this study, eight protective gloves with different designs and materials were made. The study investigated the influence of the number of layers and several characteristics, e.g., mass per square meter, thickness, bending stiffness and compressibility, on the gloved hand performance regarding protection ability, tactile sensitivity, strength capability and manual dexterity. The results indicated that despite the improving effects of increasing layer thickness, weight, bending energy and compressibility on protection ability, the gloves diminish tactile sensitivity, grip and pinch force, and manual dexterity. Therefore, it is necessary to select an optimum design to ensure a satisfactory trade-off between protection and performance.

Quantifying the effects of ice hockey upper body pads on mobility and comfort

Ice hockey is a high-intensity sport in which pads such as shoulder and elbow pads (S/EPs) are necessary to help players avoid injury. However, they can also affect mobility and comfort, thereby affecting players' on-ice performance. We aimed to quantify the effects of S/EPs on mobility and comfort by comparing the range of motion (ROM) of nine elite college-level ice hockey players performing static (nine single-DOF upper-body movements) and dynamic (wrist and slap shots) tasks under six pad conditions (no S/EPs and five types of S/EPs). We also analyzed the relationship between ROM and subjective comfort to provide an objective comfort evaluation of hockey pads. Five types of S/EPs restrict ROM at different levels, imposing additional mobility restrictions. We found significant differences among the five types and a high correlation between comfort and ROM. We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of ice hockey pads on mobility and comfort.

Assessing the impact of industrial glove use on perceived hand dexterity, function, and strength

Prevention of musculoskeletal occupational hazards is an important topic in extractive industries. This study quantifies the impact of three styles of industrial metacarpal gloves on dexterity, gripping, pinching, and torquing tasks. Results indicated that wearing metacarpal gloves duplicated the time to complete a dexterity task from an average of 57 s for bare hands to 127 s for gloved hands. The highest drop in gripping force occurred while wearing a thicker glove, while gloves with thinner palmar sides produced smaller but similar force reductions of around 6%. The highest pinching force was obtained while wearing the thinnest glove, with a rise of 15%. Self-perception of exertion while wearing gloves varied between genders. Given that dexterity, grip, and pinch strength outcomes varied based on glove materials, the authors propose a new hand safety concept model to promote a multi-factorial approach to balance the risks and benefits of prospective personal protective equipment.

Simulation of low-energy impacts on the human hand for prediction of peak reaction forces and bone fracture

Hands of workers in extractive and heavy-duty industries are susceptible to suffering injuries of varying severity. Improved safety procedures and new technologies for production and maintenance tasks have contributed to reducing the severity of injuries. However, manual tasks with high-risk factors can still lead to hand injuries. Hand bone fractures and dislocations can be caused by relatively small objects impacting a region of the hand at velocities in the range of 1.3 to 1.6 m per second. This impact can produce significant functional, physical, and psychological consequences in those affected and result in high costs derived from medical care. This study presents the results of a finite element simulation study conducted to reproduce impacts with energies in the range of 7 to 10 Joules of an object on the dorsal region of the hand. Simulation results are compared to previous experimental results obtained from controlled impact tests performed using cadaveric hand specimens. The vertical peak reaction force (PRF) as a function of the impact position was used as a primary outcome for comparisons. Simulation results for all impact positions were within the standard deviation measured experimentally, with differences in the PRF values in the range of -5.3% to 4.9%. Bone stress analyses at the position of impacts showed the locations where the maximum principal stress exceeded the bone strength, as well as the variability in the correspondence between the stress distribution predicted by the FE models and the fracture rate distribution observed experimentally.

Experimental evaluation of impact-resistant gloves using surrogate hands

Injuries to the hand and fingers with varying degrees of severity are widespread in industries such as mining and oil and gas production. This study presents the results of tests carried out to measure the impact performance for commonly used impact-resistant gloves (metacarpal gloves). Sets of surrogate hands made out of a 3D-printed skeletal structure and soft tissues represented by synthetic gel were manufactured and subjected to controlled impact tests. The calibration and validation of the surrogates were based on impact response data reported previously for cadaveric specimens. Calibrated surrogate hand specimens were tested to assess the impact protection of typical metacarpal gloves. Each type of metacarpal glove provided different levels of protection measured by the decrease in the peak impact reaction force and the fractures detected after the impacts. Results indicated that surrogate specimens suffered fractures in 77% and 33% of the impacts for unprotected and protected hands, respectively.

Risk Factors Based on Analysis of Injury Mechanism and Protective Equipment for Ice Hockey Amateur Players

Considering the increasing popularity of ice hockey in South Korea, types of injuries and protective equipment for amateur club members need to be further studied. The purpose of the study is to investigate various injuries and protective equipment used by amateur players and to analyze different risk factors by collecting information on areas of injury and their mechanisms. The online survey for 102 participants was designed to address the general information of participants, types of injuries, information about ice hockey equipment, and open-ended questions about injuries and equipment. We conducted in-depth face-to-face interviews with five players about their experiences with injury and opinions about the protective equipment. In total, 60% of the survey participants had experienced injuries, including to the knee (22.6%), shoulder (21.6%), ankle (20.6%), and wrist (14.7%), in order of frequency. Types of injury included sprain (33.3%), contusion (31.4%), fracture (17.7%), abrasion (10.8%), and concussion (0.9%). Injury mechanisms included instances in which those with less proficiency in skating would be injured initially from player-to-player contact, and from landing on the ice or crashing into the fence afterward. We acknowledged how important wearing correctly sized equipment is for protection, and we highlighted the need to develop protective gear that accommodates Asian body measurements.