The effects of various thicknesses of chemical protective gloves on manual dexterity

This study was conducted to determine the effects on manual dexterity of the thickness of handcovering. Twelve men were timed as they performed five dexterity tests while barehanded and while wearing each of three thicknesses of chemical protective gloves, 0.18 mm, 0.36 mm, and 0.64 mm. The subjects participated in 14 sessions held on consecutive weekdays. Analysis of the data from six sessions spanning the test period yielded significant main effects (p < 0.001) of handwear and of session on all dexterity tests. Mean times were best with bare hands and poorest with the 0.64 mm gloves. Performance with the gloves improved over sessions to the extent that the results with gloves approached or surpassed performance levels achieved with the bare hands during the early sessions. Regression analyses carried out on the data from the last three sessions revealed a linear increase in times to test completion as a function of increases in thickness of the handcovering. The occurrence of damage to the gloves, in the form of punctures and tears, was inversely related to thickness. The findings suggest that selection of the thinnest glove material compatible with protection from the chemical environment and practice working with the handwear will result in relatively efficient manual performance.