Effects of Wearing the Wrong Glove Size on Shoulder and Forearm Muscle Activities during Simulated Assembly Work

Abstract

This study was performed to determine the changes in electromyographic activities in the shoulder and forearm muscles when using the bare hands, well-fitting gloves, and gloves that are one size smaller or one size larger for simulated assembly operations. Sixteen asymptomatic seated workers with normal hands and no obvious deformities, skin diseases, or allergies were recruited. The subjects were asked to simulate assembly operations using their bare hands, well-fitting gloves, and one size smaller or one size larger. This study showed that wearing the wrong glove size led to a decrease in forceful activation of the forearm muscle and a compensatory increase in shoulder movement. In contrast, use of the bare hands or wearing well-fitting gloves led to effective forearm muscle activation, which decreased inefficient shoulder movement. These data indicate that wearing the wrong glove size will lead to continuous inefficient use of the forearm and shoulder muscles, and result in overuse of the shoulder.