The Effect of Different Hand Skin Temperatures on Manual Dexterity While Using Cut-Resistant Gloves

Abstract

Background: Hand injuries are among the most common and significant workplace injuries. Hard working conditions in industries and extreme hot or cold weather push workers toward these injuries. Using gloves to prevent these injuries is inevitable. Considering the importance of protective gloves and their impact on workers' hands, the present study aims to investigate the effect of different hand skin temperatures on manual dexterity while using cut-resistant gloves. Methods: This experimental cross-sectional study was conducted on 10 men under the age of 30. The study variables were collected after participants wore four types of common cut-resistant gloves. Initially, the hands were exposed to different temperatures using a water bath at three temperatures: 5°, 25°, and 45° C through immersion. After the skin temperature reached the desired levels, power and pinch grip strength were measured using a Saehan hydraulic hand dynamometer while wearing each type of glove nitrile-coated palm (A), cut-resistant coated palm (B), gel glove (C), and foam nitrile palm (D). Finger dexterity was also assessed using the O'Connor test. Findings: In all gloves, there was a statistically significant difference in power grip strength at 5°, 25°, and 45° C (P < 0.05). For all gloves, the highest power grip strength was recorded at 25° C. There was no statistically significant difference in pinch grip strength at 5°, 25°, and 45° C for the gloves tested (P > 0.05). The highest pinch grip strength for all gloves was recorded at 25° C. Comparative results of finger dexterity also showed a statistically significant difference in finger dexterity at 5°, 25°, and 45° C in gloves A, B, and C (P < 0.05). No significant difference in finger dexterity was observed at 5°, 25°, and 45° C for glove D (P = 0.150). Conclusion: The power grip strength, pinch grip strength, and finger dexterity differ among various cut-resistant gloves and at different skin temperatures. Considering the lack of impact of glove type on hand performance at different skin temperatures and the lower hand performance at lower skin temperatures, the reduced hand performance when working with cut-resistant gloves in cold environmental conditions or when handling cold and frozen materials should be taken into account, regardless of glove type. © 2026, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.