Effects of Mitten Restraints on Temperature, Humidity, Contamination, and Comfort of the Hand Area

Abstract

　Objective: This study aims to determine the effects of mitten restraints on hand temperature, humidity, contamination, and comfort of the hand area.
　Methods: Hand temperature, humidity, contamination (Adenosine triphosphate, ATP) , and comfort (subjective evaluation) were measured and compared when wearing restraint mittens (with mittens) for 60 minutes and when not wearing such mittens (without mittens) for thirty-five healthy adults. Hand temperature, humidity, and contamination were evaluated by paired t-tests, and with Wilcoxon signed rank tests for data of subjective evaluations.
　Results: The mean hand temperature and humidity with mittens were 3-4℃ and 2-3% higher than without mittens. Hand temperatures and humidity levels at 10 minutes and 60 minutes after wearing the mittens were significantly higher than without mittens (P<.005) . There was no statistically significant difference in the ATP values that indicate contamination of the hand area.
　Subjective evaluations that indicate hand comfort, the “warmth-cold” and “wetness” were significantly higher with mittens than without mittens, and the “comfort-discomfort” was significantly lower with mittens than without mittens (P<.005) .
　Discussion: The results showed that with mittens constraint causes an increase in temperature and humidity in the hand area and discomfort. It was suggested when mitten restraint is unavoidable, the need for mitten restraints should be considered with a focus on the temperature and humidity rise caused by wearing mittens and the associated discomfort.