Effects of gloves on maximum force and the rate of force development in pinch, wrist flexion and grip

Gloves are used in many industrial tasks and among the most common of those tasks are finger/thumb pinch, grip, and torque production with wrist flexion. The objective of this study was to investigate these tasks by creating force development profiles and by finding the effect of gloves on maximum force and the rate of force development. The results showed that - in the particular experimental task - wearing leather gloves did not affect pinching performance despite having to overcome the pliability of the gloves and loss of tactile information. Grip force was negatively affected by gloves, both in its maximum value, and in the rate of its development (especially in the late phases of exertion). The highest rate of force development occurred in the period of 30-70% of maximum force. There was no effect of gloves on maximum torque production (contradicting findings from other studies) or the rate of its development. Relevance to industry. Gloves are widely used in industry and affect the mechanics of force and torque production. Understanding the mechanics of gripping, pinching and wrist flexion is necessary in order to reduce the incidence of cumulative trauma disorders (CTD).