Effects of firefighters’ protective gloves on physiological responses, psychological responses, and manual performance in a cold environment

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of firefighters' protective gloves on physiological responses, psychological responses, and manual performance in a cold environment through human trials. Twelve participants wearing firefighter protective equipment were exposed to a 16 °C environment, while their hands were exposed to a small chamber of 0 °C with (FPG) and without (CON) firefighting protective gloves. During the trials, physiological responses (core temperature (T_c), the mean skin temperature (T_sk), and heart rate (HR)), psychological responses (thermal sensation vote (TSV) and pain sensation vote (PSV)), and manual performance (handgrip strength, manual dexterity, maximum finger flexion, and tactile sensitivity)) were obtained. The results indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05) between FPG and CON regarding T_sk. Furthermore, pain sensation occurred when the mean skin temperature of the hand was between 15 °C and 20 °C. Gloves significantly (p < 0.05) reduced handgrip strength, manual dexterity, and tactile sensitivity in the cold exposure. This study provides fundamental knowledge for cold strain assessment and high-performance protective glove development with the potential to improve firefighters’ safety and health.