Abstract The human hand has a wide range of degrees of freedom, allowing a great variety of movements, and is also one of the most sensitive parts of the human body. Due to these characteristics, it is the most important tool for astronauts to perform extravehicular activities (EVA). However, astronauts must wear mandatory EVA equipment to be protected from the harsh conditions in space and this strongly reduces hand performance, in particular as regards dexterity, tactile perception, mobility and fatigue. Several studies have been conducted to determine the influence of the EVA glove on manual capabilities, both in the past and more recently. This study presents experimental data regarding the performance decline occurring in terms of force and fatigue in the execution of grasping and pinching tasks when wearing an EVA glove, in pressurized and unpressurized conditions, compared with barehanded potential. Results show that wearing the unpressurized EVA glove hinders grip and lateral pinch performances, dropping exerted forces to about 50–70%, while it barely affects two- and three-finger pinch performances. On the other hand, wearing the pressurized glove worsens performances in all cases, reducing forces to about 10–30% of barehanded potential. The results are presented and compared with the previous literature.

    Highlights Grasping and pinching tasks were executed barehanded and wearing an EVA glove in pressurized and unpressurized conditions. Maximum exerted forces and number of repetitions were recorded for each task and subject. Wearing unpressurized EVA glove worsens human performance in relation to the task executed. Wearing pressurized EVA glove drastically declines human performance for all tasks.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Effects of EVA spacesuit glove on grasping and pinching tasks



    Published in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 96 ; 151-158


    Publication date :

    2013-11-19


    Size :

    8 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Effects of EVA spacesuit glove on grasping and pinching tasks

    Appendino, Silvia | Online Contents | 2014


    MULTIMODAL SPACESUIT SMART GLOVE

    ROHRIG JAKE / LUKER KELLY | European Patent Office | 2024

    Free access

    MULTIMODAL SPACESUIT SMART GLOVE

    ROHRIG JAKE / LUKER KELLY | European Patent Office | 2024

    Free access