Fakhradin Ghasemi, Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Payam Khanlari,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (12-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Hospital and medical staff use medical gloves to protect themselves and their patients from infectious agents. Wearing gloves may reduce manual dexterity and grip strength and interfere with work performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of wearing medical gloves on grip strength, manual dexterity, and perceived comfort.
Methods: 20 people (10 women, 10 men) participated in this study. Participants were tested in three gloveless modes, with latex gloves and with nitrile gloves with two tests, a 9-hole pegboard and a modified pegboard. Perceived comfort in working with gloves, wearing and removing gloves was also assessed using a subjective scale.
Results: The age range of participants was 20 to 40 years with an average of 29.45 years. There was a significant difference in manual dexterity between gloveless hands and nitrile gloves in the 9-hole pegboard test. In the modified pegboard test, gloveless hand manual dexterity was significantly different from both latex and nitrile gloves. The results also showed that wearing any type of glove significantly reduced the grip strength of individuals. The worst comfort rating was given to wearing gloves.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that wearing gloves reduces manual dexterity and grip strength. A modified pegboard test is also recommended to assess the manual dexterity of medical gloves. Latex and Nitrile gloves are difficult to wear and should be considered in designs.
Leila Rastgoo Balov, Aysal Allahyari, ,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Background: The dental profession requires high levels of precision and fine motor control. Hand anthropometric dimensions, grip strength, and manual dexterity play critical roles in ergonomic tool design and performance. This study aimed to investigate gender differences in hand anthropometry, grip strength, and manual dexterity among dental students.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 100 dental students (51 females and 49 males) at Urmia University of Medical Sciences. Hand dimensions were measured using a digital caliper, grip strength using a Jamar dynamometer, pinch strength using a SAEHAN pinch gauge, and manual dexterity using the Roeder test. Independent t-test was applied for gender comparisons.
Results: Male students had significantly larger hand dimensions and higher grip strength than females (p<0.001). However, there was no significant gender difference in manual dexterity (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Notable gender differences were found in hand anthropometry and grip strength but not in dexterity. Ergonomic design of dental instruments should consider these differences to reduce musculoskeletal strain and improve precision.
