Abstract
A glove design which reflects the changes in hand surface by hand motion can reduce the undesirable effects of use of gloves on hand performance. The present study examined changes in hand length dimensions due to hand motion and identified significant factors affecting the length changes. Recruiting 120 males and females in their 20s and 30s having various hand lengths, this study measured 10 hand length dimensions, defined at 2 hand areas(phalangeal and metacarpal areas) for 5 digits, when the hand is stretched and in fist, and then calculated the percentage of length increase for each dimension. ANOVA and simple-effect analyses showed the length change percentages were mainly different depending on digit and hand area: 111-127% at the phalangeal area and 112-116% at the metacarpal area. The length change percentages of the index, middle, ring, and little fingers in the phalangeal area ascended in order and showed a high correlation(r = 0.94)with the ranges of motion of the fingers.
