Dexterity Performance and Reduced Ambient Temperature

Abstract

This study examined the dexterity performance of 35 male and 35 female subjects at ambient temperatures of 1.7°C, 12.8°C, and 23.9°C. Subjects wore typical industrial worker apparel without gloves. The Purdue Pegboard, two pencil-point tapping tasks, an assembly task, and a fine manipulative task were used to measure the dexterity performance. Results indicate that after approximately 15 min of exposure there was no difference between performance at 12.8°C and 23.9°C, but there was a difference between performance at 1.7°C and 12.8°C as well as between performance at 1.7°C and 23.9°C. The decrement in performance at 1.7°C ranged from 0.3 to 15.7% when compared with performance at 23.9°C . In five of the 11 performance scores used, a difference due to gender was seen, with the males performing better on an assembly task and the females performing better on single-activity, repetitive tasks. At the higher ambient temperatures (12.8°C and 23.9°C), the average of the minimum finger skin temperature for males was from 0.57°C to 1.2°C higher than for females, whereas at 1.7°C there was no significant difference between the groups for minimum finger skin temperature.

Designing inclusive products for everyday environments: the effects of everyday cold temperatures on older adults’ dexterity

“…For example, the current study found that fine finger dexterity decreased, on average, by 8% to 9%, when exposed to a cold temperature (5°C). Daanen [32] found it decreased by 12%, Riley and Cochran [8] found it decreased by 15.7%…”

“…In relation to dexterity, both vibration and cold temperatures have been identified as having an effect [5,8,9]. Whilst both of these factors are experienced when interacting with products, it is cold temperatures which are experienced for long durations (annually for up to 3-4 months).…”

“…There are a few published studies which report the effects of reduced ambient temperature on dexterity. For example, Riley and Cochran [8] found that after less than an hour's exposure to an ambient temperature of 1.7°C, younger adults' (mean age = 24.5 years) fine finger dexterity decreased by an average of 15.7% when compared with performance at 23.9°C. Schieffer et al [31] found that the fine finger dexterous capability of South African factory workers decreased by an average of 20% when exposed to 6°C for 7 hours compared with performance at 24°C.…”

“…Previous research findings into the effects of cold on dexterity have appeared to focus on young healthy adults, with a particular focus on either the productivity of workers [8,31] or the ability of military personnel [32]. Data in these studies have been gathered mainly from young healthy adults.…”

“…To date, a number of studies have reported significant reductions in functional capability due to factors associated with the physical environment. Elton and Nicolle [7] reported how older adults' visual acuity is affected by everyday lighting levels; Riley and Cochran [8] reported how younger adults' dexterous ability decreases through reduced ambient temperature; Baker and Mansfield [9] reported decrements in dexterity when exposed to vibration.…”