Partial Gloves and Reduced Temperatures

Abstract

When the ambient temperature is below 55°F (12.8°C) and a person's hands have been exposed to that reduced temperature for at least 20 minutes, a person's dexterity performance is reduced. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the use of partial gloves in reduced temperatures to determine if the dexterity performance decrement could be significantly abated. The partial gloves used in this study were wool and they allowed the distal and middle phalange to be exposed. Three male and three female subjects performed a variety of tasks at ambient temperatures of 40°F, 50°F and 60°F. The dexterity performance tasks were two pencil-point tapping tasks and the Purdue Pegboard. In addition, grip strength, finger pinch strength, and reaction time tasks were performed. The performance testing was performed at each temperature level with and without the partial gloves. Testing required approximately one hour. The order of the testing was randomized. Hand skin and finger skin temperatures data were collected. Results of the pilot study showed that partial gloves allowed the subjects to maintain warmer finger skin and hand skin temperatures while maintaining the same level of dexterity when compared to conditions and performance without the partial gloves.