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An evaluation of the effects of latex examination gloves on sensibility and manual dexterity of the hand
Abstract
The purpose of this research study was to determine whether latex examination gloves had an effect on manual dexterity and sensibility of the hand. Twenty-seven subjects participated in the study. The subjects consisted of female dental and dental hygiene students from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. One measure of manual dexterity and five measures of sensibility of the hand were used in this study. The O'Connor Finger Dexterity Test was used to assess manual dexterity. The Weinstein Enhanced Sensory Test was used to assess pressure sensation thresholds. The DISK-CRIMINATOR$\sp\circler$ was used to assess moving two-point discrimination. A BrUel & Kjaer Vibro-Sensimeter System Type 9589 was used to assess vibration perception threshold (250 Hz) and flutter perception threshold (32 Hz). Tactile gnosis was used to assess functional capacity. Prior to determining the effects of latex gloves on manual dexterity and sensibility of the hand an evaluation of the reliability of the tests used in this study was done. The evaluation of reliability indicated all six of the tests could be administered reliably. The evaluation of the effect of latex examination gloves on sensibility and manual dexterity of the hand indicated pressure sensation thresholds were negatively affected (increased) by latex examination gloves. However, moving two-point discrimination, vibration perception threshold, flutter perception threshold, tactile gnosis and manual dexterity were not affected by latex examination gloves. An analysis of the combined dependent variables indicated the use of latex examination gloves did not affect overall hand function. High grip force is a risk factor associated with cumulative trauma disorders. Although the specific relationship between increased pressure sensation thresholds and grip force was not investigated, the study suggested that latex examination gloves could have a negative impact on users if increased pressure sensation thresholds result in higher grip forces.
Subject Area
Industrial engineering|Dental care|Occupational safety
Recommended Citation
Moore, Benny J., "An evaluation of the effects of latex examination gloves on sensibility and manual dexterity of the hand" (1994). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9504142.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9504142