3D ANTHROPOMETRIC HAND ASSESSMENT AND GLOVE DESIGN FOR OCCUPATIONAL WORKERS IN THE UNITED STATES

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: HATCH
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1016478
• Project Start Date: Oct 1, 2018
• Project End Date: Sep 30, 2022
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
UNIV OF MINNESOTA
(N/A)
ST PAUL,MN 55108

Performing Department
Design, Housing & Apparel

Non Technical Summary
Gloves are a critical component of PPE for workers in a variety of occupations ranging from firefighters to agriculture workers. Products for hands allow the wearer to perform tasks for longer durations and help protect against environmental hazards such as chemicals (among many other functions). Despite the protection that gloves provide, barriers to wearing gloves exist. If dexterity, motion, gripping power, and hand function are lost, the gloves are uncomfortable, or the fit is incorrect it is difficult to encourage workers to wear gloves.The hand is a complex 'tool' that allows humans to carry out everyday tasks. Despite this complexity, very little anthropometric data on the hand exists, and hand products are traditionally created with just two to three measurements. Designers and engineers of protective gloves do not have adequate, fundamental knowledge about range of motion and proportion of hands across diverse populations to innovate in the area of glove design. Reliable 3D anthropometric data for the hands are needed to improve fit and design of PPE for diverse populations of occupational workers throughout the United States.A mixed-methods approach to explore and identify opportunity areas for glove development will be implemented by conducting quantitative studies of current anthropometric and ergonomic conditions in parallel with qualitative studies of user satisfaction and challenges in using current protective gloves. This study will:Conduct a dynamic, 3D anthropometric survey of workers' hands to build a database of scans that can then be measured and analyzed using a consistent methodology. This will include detailed ergonomic and anthropometric analysis of the hand in dynamic positions.Perform a needs assessment of current gloves used by firefighters and various professions.Re-design protective gloves and develop sizing systems for firefighters and other professions.The results of the dynamic, 3D anthropometric database will allow researchers to describe ranges, proportions, variation, and gender differences in hand measurements among occupational workers. This data pool and the needs assessment data will also provide practical guidance for the design of protective gloves with improved fit, comfort, and mobility.Anthropometric and ergonomic data will be integrated with user data to develop new glove designs. The results of the anthropometric database will enable the description of ranges, proportions, variation, and gender differences in body measurements among occupation groups. This data pool and the qualitative survey/interview data will also provide practical guidance for the design of hand PPE with improved fit, comfort, and mobility. The results of the ergonomic testing will provide a thorough understanding of the impact of hand PPE on range of motion, dexterity, grip, and fit. The survey, focus group results, and artifact data will provide evidence of how members wear their hand PPE in the job, and their perceived protection, fit, comfort, dexterity, mobility, work efficiency, and safety.Through holistic data integration, new hand PPE design criteria will be established for the glove design and sizing. New glove designs will be prototyped for improved fit, size coverage, and effectiveness of performance. In conjunction with new prototype development, the team will research and incorporate advanced manufacturing techniques and technical materials into the new products. New sizing systems will be created that take into account the diverse population of wearers and product interface requirements. Due to the complex nature of how size is selected and how to evaluate ergonomic compatibility, new methods of communicating sizing systems will be developed. User testing will be conducted to refine both the sizing system, the size selection process, and how to identify good product interface among parts.

Animal Health Component

33%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

33%

Applied

33%

Developmental

34%

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
804	5110	2020	100%

Knowledge Area
804 - Human Environmental Issues Concerning Apparel, Textiles, and Residential and Commercial Structures;

Subject Of Investigation
5110 - Clothing/apparel;

Field Of Science
2020 - Engineering;

Keywords

gloves

hand anthropometry

hand ergonomics

glove design

occupational safety

Goals / Objectives
The purpose of this research is to address inefficiencies in the current glove PPE to provide improved health and safety from environmental hazards (such as chemical and thermal) for occupational workers, as well as reduce musculoskeletal injury. The goals of this research are to: (1) improve hand safety and health by reducing environmental exposure due to inadequate glove protection; (2) improve hand safety and health by creating new glove PPE products that improve comfort and dexterity; (3) improve hand safety and health of occupational workers through the development of PPE product sizing systems that fit all workers.A holistic study approach of examining the occupational workers hand protection includes anthropometric analysis, ergonomic compatibility testing, user analysis, and design development to improve short term and long-term safety goals. Safer hand PPE that provides less physiological strain, greater comfort, and dexterity will reduce the amount of injuries on the job.The primary objectives of this research are to:Investigate factors that impact selection, use, care, and maintenance of protective gloves for occupational workers through basic and applied anthropometric and ergonomic research in parallel with qualitative studies of user satisfaction and challenges.Determine critical anthropometric measurements relative to gloves and develop more inclusive sizing systems.Assess and improve protection and human factor performance of PPE through research and product development. Develop glove PPE design criteria and identify design opportunities that are rooted in anthropometric, ergonomic, and user data. Using the design criteria, develop and prototype new designs for gloves for different occupational user groups.

Project Methods
3D Anthropometric Survey. We will use a hand held 3D scan device to collect anthropometric data of occupational workers' hands. 3D scanning will be performed at occupational conferences,on work sites, and in the lab. 12 universities (NC170 members) will recruit and conduct similar research in their geographic locations. The hand survey will first target firefighters, then other occupations such as agriculture workers.The hand held Occipital Structure Sensor attached to an Apple iPad will be used to collect anthropometric data at multiple sites. The scanner captures the body in mesh, greyscale, and full color. The accuracy of the Structure Sensor has been previously validated as a tool for 3D body scanning [8]. Stability frames and platforms have been developed to assist in taking accurate scans and limiting body motion.Landmarks will be used to improve measurement accuracy of the digital scans. 27 landmarks for the hand will be used for this survey. The landmarks were selected based on common anatomical landmarks,as well as landmarks that have a strong impact on PPE fit and design such as palmar finger crotches, and palm crease lines.?PPE Glove User Assessment. PPE user assessment research will consist of survey methods and focus groups.Survey. A survey will be conducted as part of the anthropometric study. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected via a Qualtrics web survey. The purpose of this survey is to collect information directly from occupational workers regarding their use and experience with glove PPE. The survey will be administered through a web link to firefighters throughout the United States, to understand their personal experiences with gloves. Basic demographic questions will also be collected.Focus Groups will be conducted at conferences, at partner fire departments, and at 10 regional locations throughout the US. Focus groups will be led as a 2-way, collaborative experience in which attendees will break-out into small groups and conduct product-specific brainstorming rounds to discuss their experiences and issues with gloves.Throughout the session, the researchers will be on hand to facilitate the conversation, manage time, audio record, and document notes from each team.Ergonomic Compatibility and Wear Testing. Ergonomic testing will provide a baseline of current protective gloves, as well as an evaluation tool for newly developed prototypes. Human subject tests will include (1) 3D body scanning for assessment of fit and effectiveness of sizing systems, (2) assessment of ergonomic performance and compatibility, and (3) serviceability of developed sizing system. 3D hand scanning will be performed in static and active positions to evaluate fit of gloves. The new sizing systems for gloves will also be evaluated for optimized coverage within the sizing systems through 3D body scanning and surveys about convenience of size selection and perceived fit of selected size in comparison with existing sizing systems. Dexterity of gloves: Participants will rate dexterity of gloves during occupation specific tasks.Table 2 outlines the measurement plan for each planned activity of this research.AssessmentMeasurementAnthropometric surveyHeight, weight, hand position 1: hand flat, phalanges together scan, hand position 2: hand flat, phalanges splayed scan, hand position 3: grasp position scan.PPE surveyDemographic information, occupational experience, brand preferences, brand experience, fitting, sizing, augmentation, injuries.Focus groupsDemographic information, occupational experience, brand preferences, brand experience, fitting, sizing, augmentation, injuries.Ergonomic compatibility testingRange of motion, rating of ease of movement, dexterity, re-donning of gloves with wet hands, need for adjustment of PPE items.Table 2. Assessment and measurement plan.Data Analysis: There are 5 major areas of assessment where data will be analyzed for the proposed study. Table 3 outlines those areas and the type of analyses to be conducted.AssessmentAnalysis3D anthropometric survey (from 3D scan data)Statistical analysis: univariate, bivariate, multivariate, mean/median/mode, percentages, probability distribution, linear regression and shape-based methodsPPE surveyStatistical analysis: mean/median/mode, percentages, qualitative thematic analysis, SWOT analysisFocus groupsStatistical analysis: mean/median/mode, percentages, qualitative thematic analysis, SWOT analysis.3D body scanning for examining fitGap analysis, wrinkle analysis.Compatibility & ergonomic performance testingRange of motion at each joint (degrees), rating of ease of movement, dexterity, re-donning of gloves with wet hands, need for adjustment of PPE gloves and agility of movement (time to complete the given tasks).Table 3. Data analysis.3D Anthropometric Survey Analysis (from 3D scan data): 3D hand scan data will be imported as obj. files, and measured with AnthroScan software. There are many types of measurements that can be analyzed, including lengths, circumferences and widths (e.g., finger length, palm circumference and hand breadth). The measurements are derived from the landmarks placed on participants prior to scanning, and can be customized. They can then be compared (univariate, bivariate, multivariate) between all scanned occupational workers and occupational subgroups can be created for specific characteristics: women, different ethnic groups, ages, experience, U.S. regions, obese, etc. Basic statistical methods of mean/median/mode, percentages, probability distribution, linear regression will also calculated help understand the data. Shape-based analysis methods, including volumetric measures, cross-sections and measurements that relate to specific PPE parameters (e.g., location of glove flex location on the palm of the hand) and sizes will also be conducted.PPE Glove Survey and Focus Groups: The PPE glove survey and focus groups will both gather qualitative and quantitative data that can be analyzed. Quantitative data will be analyzed with basic statistical calculations: means/medians/modes, percentages. The qualitative data will analyzed thematically by recording recognized patterns and/or themes. 3D Scanning for Examining Fit & Ergonomic Performance Testing Analysis: 3D scan data with and without wearing PPE gloves will be aligned and merged to evaluate distribution of gaps (ease) between the body surface and inner side of PPE items as part of fit evaluation. Wrinkle analysis will also be conducted to identify areas of stress and need for extra fullness, in different hand positions.Data Integration and Glove Development. Anthropometric and ergonomic data will be integrated with user data to develop new glove designs. Through holistic data integration, new hand PPE design criteria will be established for the glove design and sizing. New glove designs will be prototyped for improved fit, size coverage, and effectiveness of performance. In conjunction with new prototype development, the team will research and incorporate advanced manufacturing techniques and technical materials into the new products. New sizing systems will be created that take into account the diverse population of wearers and product interface requirements. Due to the complex nature of how size is selected and how to evaluate ergonomic compatibility, new methods of communicating sizing systems will be developed. User testing will be conducted to refine both the sizing system, the size selection process, and how to identify good product interface among parts.

Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20

Outputs
Target Audience: Nothing Reported Changes/Problems:We have collected over 800 hand scans, conducted a user-needs survey with 400 participants, and are in the process of analyzing all of this data. An extra year for this project will allow us to disseminate the anthropometric data, apply the data to glove design and sizing systems, as well as develop new standards for protective gloves. Additionally, I would like to opportunity to focus on reaching both occupational workers and industry through a series of workshops and events when the pandemic is over. Gloves and hand tools continue to plague occupational workers in Minnesota and across the United States. The research that this AES project has funded has the potential to reduce health and safety risk through improvedsizing systems and glove design. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Disseminated research at conferences and in journals, as well as to the NC-170, Personal Protective Equipment, research group. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?I will be analyzing two datasets of hand scans and will disseminate anthropometric data. I will also develop new glove sizing systems based on the data. Additionally, we will be testing new glove designs and patternmaking methods.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: Developed and published a new qualitative survey method and collected data for occupational glove design and fit Objective 1: Completed a large anthropometric survey of firefighter hands (scanned over 300 participants). Expect to disseminate results in 2021 Objective 2: Developed an automated measurement system for hands and determined critical anthropometric measurements for gloves Objective 3: Developed and tested a new glove design and pattern-making method that used new anthropometric measurements to improve fit. Objective 1,2,3: Disseminated research at conferences and in journals

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Juhnke, B., Pokorny, C., Griffin, L. & Sokolowski, S. Development of a Civilian 3D Hand Scan Database In Proc. Of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 2020 Annual Conference, October 2020
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2021 Citation: Griffin, L., Sokolowski, S., Wu, Y., Morris, K., McKinney, E., Park, H., Carufel, R. Firewomens Experience with Headgear, Gloves, and Boots: Opportunities for Inclusive Design. Applied Ergonomics
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2021 Citation: Juhnke, B., Pokorny, C., & Griffin, L. Applying Lean Manufacturing Methods to Redesign Anthropometric Studies. Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2021 Citation: Pokorny, C., Juhnke, B., & Griffin, L. Standardized Functional Hand Grasp Method for 3D Scanning. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Sokolowski, S., & Griffin, L. Method To Develop A Better Performance Glove Pattern Block Using 3d Hand Anthropometry. In Proc. Of the Human Factors and Ergonomic Society 2020 Annual Conference, October 2020
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Seifert, E., & Griffin, L. Comparison and Validation of Traditional and 3D Scanning Anthropometric Methods to Measure the Hand. In Proc. of 3DBODY.TECH 2020 - 11th Int. Conf. and Exh. on 3D Body Scanning and Processing Technologies, November 2020
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Bhuyan, A., & Griffin, L. Make It Easy: Reliability of Automatic Measurement for 3D Hand Scanning. In Proc. of 3DBODY.TECH 2020 - 11th Int. Conf. and Exh. on 3D Body Scanning and Processing Technologies, November 2020
• Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Pokorny, C., Juhnke, B., Griffin, L. A Visible Functional Grasp to Measure the Complete Hand. Accepted In International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (July 2020
• Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Sokolowski, S., Griffin, L., Juhnke, B., Pokorny, C. Qualitative Survey Methodology and Data Collection for Performance Glove Design and Fit. Accepted in International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (July 2020).
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2020 Citation: 2020 Juhnke, B., Pokorny, C., Griffin, L., Sokolowski, S. Lend a Hand for 3D Scans: Scanning methodology and data collection for tool and glove design. Presented at the International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (July 2020).

Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19

Outputs
Target Audience:This project reached several groups and communities during this reporting period through lab and field research. Through field research, we conducted 3D hand scanning and anthropometric assessments of the firefighter populationin Minnesota and Florida. In total, this project has scanned over 200 firefighters in the US over the course of two years. Additionally, we conducted glove research and 3D hand scanning of over 400 people at the Minnesota State Fair, targeting the general population and agriculture workers. In the lab, we targeted health care professionals by examining new methods to measure the hand in ergonomic positions. We also examined glove fit of female construction workers and female golf players compared to actual anthropometric measurements. Wefound significant room for improvement of glove fit and function for these two populations. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? To accomplish the goals of improving tool and glove design for occupational workers in the United States, we will analyze the anthropometric measurements of our database (n=600), develop new glove and tool sizing systems for men and women, continue to explore new methods to evaluate the hand-product relationship, and conduct user-centered research.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The hand is the most complex part of the human body and allows humans to perform a wide variety of tasks. Glove designs and tools are developed to enable work and protect our hands during work and play. Traditional anthropometric studies only analyzed three hand measurements (Robinette et al., 2002). The limited data fails to reflect functional measurement changes of the hand while performing tasks. Therefore, ill-fitting gloves and tools is a common problem for many trades of work, which increases the risk of hand injuries (Griffin et al., 2018). In 2019, we accomplished the following associated with the research objectives: Over the past two years, we have developed a database of 3D hand scans of over 600 people and are in the process of measuring, analyzing, and applying the data to improve glove and tool design across a multitude of industries. This is the only 3D hand database of it's kind in the United States. In 2019, we engaged with the general public and conducted research at the Minnesota State Fair. We were able to scan over 400 hands in multiple ergonomic positions, as well as collect survey data on glove use and fit assessements. Overall, the data is showing overwhelming evidence of need for improved glove and tool function, as well as improved fit through new sizing system development. Through a collaboration with faculty at the University of Oregon, we conducted a pilot study which evaluated a methodology developed to collect, compare and analyze 3D female hand scans (30 subjects) versus actual glove specifications and sizing of a commonly sold leather work glove purchased in the U.S. (Wells Lamont Model 1124). The results comparing product specifications to the actual sample demonstrated a clear need to improve the fit of the gloves for consumers, specifically the relationship between hand measurements and product specifications. Results suggest that standards and more measurements are needed to inform better glove sizing and fit. Based upon the findings of this study, future studies will be conducted to evaluate a larger sample of women, include more glove brands/styles, and integrate activities (e.g., firefighting, medical surgery and sport). UMN, U-MO, U-OR, FL, and Cornell developed a reliable multi-site 3D body scan data collection protocol to support an anthropometric study of hands for Firefighters. UMN scanned 50 participants locally (Minnesota) and helped scan participants in FL. Together with faculty and researchers at Iowa State, MO, KS, and OR, we analyzed transcripts of interviews of female firefighters about their gear, generating a list of key fit problems for gear manufacturers to improve upon. The results of the dynamic, 3D data pool and the needs assessment dataprovides practical guidance for the design of protective gloves with improved fit, comfort, and mobility. This research strengthens the impact of user-centered PPE product design for occupational workers in Minnesota and the United States. By re-imagining hand products of the future and taking into consideration a more diverse workforce, the result of this research is glove and tool design applications that improve worker safety and health in United States. The anthropometric data and design research from this study will improve and inform glove design for a range of fields and consumers.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Griffin, L., Sokolowski, S., Savvateev, E., Bhuyan, A., Roese, N. (2019) Comparison of Glove Specifications, 3D Hand Scans, and Sizing of Sports Gloves for Female Athletes. In Proc. of 3DBODY.TECH 2019 - 10th Int. Conf. and Exh. on 3D Body Scanning and Processing Technologies, Lugano, Switzerland, 22-23 Oct. 2019. (word count: 4026)
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Seifert, E., Curry, C., & Griffin, L. (2019, July). 3D Anthropometric Assessment of Functional Hand Grasps for Surgeons and Medical Professionals. In 2019 Design of Medical Devices Conference. American Society of Mechanical Engineers Digital Collection. (word count: 2970)
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2020 Citation: Sokolowski, S. L. & Griffin, L. (accepted to publish). Womens leather protective work wear gloves: A comparative pilot study between 3D hand scans, product specifications and sizing. 11th Symposium on Performance of Protective Clothing and Equipment: Innovative Solutions to Evolving Challenges, Denver, CO, USA. (word count: 7453)
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Griffin, L., Sokolowski, S., & Seifert, E. (2018). Process Considerations in 3D Hand Anthropometric Data Collection. In Proc. of 3DBODY.TECH 2018 - 9th Int. Conf. and Exh. on 3D Body Scanning and Processing Technologies, Lugano, Switzerland, 16-17 Oct. 2018, pp. 121-130, http://dx.doi.org/10.15221/18.121
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Sokolowski, S.L., Griffin, L., & Chandrasekhar, S. (2018). Current Technology Landscape for Collecting Hand Anthropometric Data, in Proc. of 3DBODY.TECH 2018 - 9th Int. Conf. and Exh. on 3D Body Scanning and Processing Technologies, Lugano, Switzerland, 16-17 Oct. 2018, pp. 142-153, doi:10.15221/18.142.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Seifert, E., Curry, C., Griffin, L. (2019) Feasibility of Digital Draping for Improved Glove Fit. In Proceedings of the 2019 conference of the International Textile and Apparel Association, Las Vegas, NV, USA, October, 2019
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Seifert, E., Pokorny, C., Griffin, L., Holschuh, B. (2019) Validation of the Artec Eva for Hand Anthropometric Data Collection. Presented at the In Proceedings of the 2019 conference of the International Textile and Apparel Association, Las Vegas, NV, USA, October, 2019.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Griffin, L., Seifert, E., Curry, C., & Sokolowski, S. (2019, July). 3D Hand Scanning to Digital Draping for Glove Design. In International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (pp. 112-123). Springer, Cham. (word count: 4047)
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: 2019 Moraes, A. S., Carvalho, M. A., Boldt, R. S., Ferreira, F. B., Griffin, L., & Ashdown, S. P. (2019, July). Assessment of Portuguese Firefighters Needs: Preliminary Results of a Pilot Study. In International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (pp. 721-732). Springer, Cham.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Curry, C., Seifert, E., Griffin, L. (2019) Using Natural Hand Positions to Improve Product Design Data in Health Care. Presented International Symposium on Human Factors and Ergonomics in Health Care, Chicago, IL, USA, March 2019.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Griffin, L. (April, 2019) Dynamic Anthropometry: Key to Improved Performance in Medical Wearables. Presented at the 2019 Design of Medical Devices Conference. Minneapolis, MN.