Structural Firefighting Gloves Induces Decay In Cadet Firefighter Handgrip Strength

Adequate handgrip strength is needed to perform firefighting tasks. Many of these tasks involve hand and power tools. Holding a tool with appropriate grip force and gloves is a complex motor task. An insufficient amount of applied force can result in a safety hazard. Upper limb injuries accounted for 17% of total US firefighter injuries during a 12-month period (National Fire Protection Association, 2016). Excessive muscle fatigue from lack of grip strength may disrupt firefighters’ attention, increasing risks of injury at the fireground. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential impact of structural firefighting gloves on handgrip strength in cadet firefighters. METHODS: Following consent, 31 cadet firefighters (age: 22.3 ± 4.1; body fat%: 17.7 ± 5.2) squeezed a digital hand dynamometer with maximal effort for three seconds before releasing tension for peak force measurement. Two trials were taken from each hand for each of two conditions (structural firefighting glove, no glove) alternating hands between measurements. Order of testing, glove and no glove, was randomized with three minutes rest between conditions. RESULTS: Handgrip strength differences between the right and left hand, gloved (43.5 ± 6.4 vs 38.3 ± 5.1) and no glove (59.4 ± 8.8 vs 57.5 ± 8.1), were both significant (p = .001; p = .036) resulting in a 22% difference and a 3.2% difference respectively. Similarly, handgrip strength differences between the right gloved and no glove (43.5 ± 6.4 vs 59.4 ± 8.8, p = .001) and between the left gloved and no glove (38.3 ± 5.1 vs 57.4 ± 8.1, p = .001) were detected resulting in a 26.8% difference and a 43.3% difference respectively. CONCLUSION: Structural firefighting gloves significantly induce decay in handgrip strength on both the right and left hands in cadet firefighters. Potential countermeasures may include exercise interventions, glove material/design, and enhanced ergonomic tool design. University of Tulsa Faculty Research Grant