The Effect of Pressure and Fabrication of Pressure Therapy Gloves on Hand Sensitivity and Dexterity

Pressure therapy gloves always affect the function and performance of hands but the effect is often neglected. In this study, fabrication and reduction factors (RFs) of pressure therapy gloves on hand dexterity and comfort perception are assessed by goniometer, Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments and Purdue Pegboard, as well as through daily activity tasks. A subjective rating scale was also used to record comfort perception. The repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance and Friedman tests were used to compare hand function tests and comfort sensation results when different glove prototypes were worn in terms of fabrics and RFs. The results show that even though both fabric types and RFs of pressure gloves exert no significant effect on the tactile sensitivity of fingertips, the active range of motion and dexterity of the fingers in carrying out daily tasks and comfort perception are considerably affected. The adoption of a high RF of 20% in making of glove patterns can impact negatively on both hand functions and comfort perception, thus leading to unsatisfactory treatment adherence. Strong associations were found between the comfort performance and fabric properties, including surface roughness, bending rigidity, thermal conductivity and moisture retention. It has been suggested that fabric choice, anticipated fabric tensile behaviour and surface and thermal properties should also be taken into consideration when prescribing pressure therapy glove for treatment of hypertrophic scars.