The Effects of Gloves on Maximum Holding Time

Abstract

Considerable work is now done while wearing gloves on tasks that require that considerable grip forces be exerted and maintained for extended times. The primary objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of two common working gloves on the time a person can exert a constant grip force as a function of that persons maximum grip force. A simple endurance experiment was conducted to verify that the same relationship between holding time and grip force (as a percentage of maximum grip force under the same conditions) is valid for grip with gloves as is present in other muscular exertions. Subjects were first evaluated for maximum grip force on a standard hand dynamometer with bare hands and while wearing each of the gloves. They then participated in trials to evaluate grip endurance at 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of the maximum grip for each condition (bare hand, a leather glove, and a cotton glove). Analysis of variance was used to evaluate the data gathered to determine if the holding time differed for bare hand or glove conditions. This analysis showed no differences between the conditions. This study shows that the effect of a glove on endurance can be predicted by the effect of that glove on the maximum grip force that can be exerted. This will be of value to those persons who design or evaluate work tasks where gloves are required.