ABSTRACT
This study evaluates the effects of glovebox glove, layer, and thickness on maximum voluntary contraction grip strength and forearm muscle activity for gripping exertion with maximal and sub-maximal efforts. Six volunteered male comprised the subject pool. Butyl, hypalon, and neoprene gloves in 0.015" and 0.03" thicknesses were selected for evaluation. Grip strength and muscles activity were measured using a transducer equipped hand dynamomcter and an electromyography system. Based upon the observations made in this experiment, 0.015" inch butyl glove in single gloving setting should be used as selection considerations for glovebox works to minimize effects on maximum grip strength. In addition, 0.015" inch butyl glove in single or triple gloving setting should be used as selection considerations for glovebox works to minimize the forearm muscle activity. This study recommends 0.015" inch butyl glove in single gloving setting to provide the desired hand protection against ergonomic-related disorders in the glovebox environment involving gripping with maximal and sub-maximal efforts.
