Impact of postural variation on hand measurements : three-dimensional anatomical analysis

Abstract

In this article, the impact of postural variations on hand anthropometry and distribution of skin strain ratios has been investigated. The literature suggests the glove fit directly affects hand functions. However, gloves currently manufactured based on a static posture failed to provide optimum fit. Workers often do not wear protective gloves due to discomfort caused by improper design, which increases the risk of hand injury. Full-color three-dimensional scans of the hands are captured with thirty healthy subjects (20 females, 10 males) to analyze the hand measurements and skin deformation with various postures. 42 of the 57 hand dimensions were found to have significant differences (p >0.05) related to hand posture. The skin strain ratios further suggest that the slant of the web space, dorsal-length and surface area should be increased, while the angles of the web space and length of the palm reduced to advance glove patterns. This research contributes to constructing gloves with optimum fit, performance, and comfort. Results show that in consideration of hand postures, the angle of the slant of web space between digits 2 and 5 and the finger length on the dorsal side should be increased, whilst the finger length on the palm side should be reduced in glove pattern design. Gloves currently constructed based on a splayed posture cannot provide a good fit. Consideration should be given to hand measurements in dynamic postures.