The Influence of Long Fingernails on Handwork Efficiency —An Examination of Nail Tips—

摘要

To determine the effect of fingernail length on handwork efficiency, 4 subjects performed 4 types of handwork tests with fingernails of 4 different lengths (0, 2, 4, and 6 mm). In a plain stitch test, 4- and 6-mm fingernails reduced work efficiency. In a thread knotting test, 2-, 4-, and 6-mm fingernails markedly reduced work efficiency. In a writing test, 4-mm and 6-mm fingernails caused fatigue of the hands and arms. In a match board test, 6-mm fingernails markedly reduced work efficiency. Analysis of variance and multiple comparison showed results consistent with these findings. Young subjects tended to perform well with long fingernails. Fingernails of 2 mm were considered to be fashionable and feminine. Therefore, the desirable fingernail length may be 2 mm or less when students attend lecture classes and 0 mm when they attend sewing lessons.