The objective of this paper is to analyze the forearm muscular contraction levels
associated to the use of anti-vibration gloves, by comparing the contraction levels with
gloves and without gloves. Two different vibration tools were used in a simulated work
environment: (1) A compact Duty Multi-Cutter Bosch and (2) and a Percussion Drill
with a drill bit Ø20 mm. Standard operations were performed by each subject in the
following materials: (1) Performing cross-sectional cuts in 80x40 mm pine section and
(2) performing 20 mm diameter holes in a concrete slab 2 x 2 m, 70 mm thick. The
forearm contraction level were measured by surface electromyography in four different
muscles: Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (FDS), Flexor Carpi Ulnaris (FCU), Extensor
Carpi Radialis Longus (ECRL) e Extensor Carpi Ulnaris (ECU). For the flexor muscles
(FDS, FCU), an increase tendency in muscular contraction was observed when the
operations are performed without gloves (2-5% MVE increase in the FDS and 3-9%
MVE increase in the FCU). For the extensor muscles ECU a decrease tendency in
muscular contraction was observed when the operations are performed without gloves
(1-10% MVE decrease). Any tendency was found in the ECRL muscle. ECU was the
muscle with the highest contraction level for 79% and 71% of the operators, during
the operations respectively with the multi-cutter (P50= 27-30%MVE) and with the
percussion drill (P50=46-55%MVE). As a final conclusion from this study, antivibration
gloves may increase the forearm fatigue in the posterior region of the
forearm (ECU muscle) during operations with the mentioned tools.