Dimensions of the Dynamic Hand: Implications for Glove Design, Fit, and Sizing

摘要

Gloves are critical personal protective equipment to perform tasks in industries such as medicine, construction, and firefighting. To ensure wearer safety, comfort, and hand function, glove design requires detailed ergonomic and anthropometric analysis of the hand in motion. This study noted the absence of a 3D hand anthropometric database, and aimed to pilot test a methodology for the creation of one that included dynamic hand positions and more comprehensive anthropometric measurements. Three hand positions were scanned and 17 dimensions were analyzed for 30 subjects. Results indicate significant measurement change for both dorsal and palmar side measurements across the three hand positions, as well as significant gender differences. The results from this study will inform the creation of a national anthropometric hand survey to inform evidence-based, user-centered, ergonomic glove design.