Effects of fingernail length on finger and hand performance

Caroline W.Stegink Jansen, Rita Patterson, Steven F. Viegas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of fingernail length on active range of motion (AROM) of the fingers, speed of finger manipulation, number of words typed, and grip strength. Fifteen normal women (mean age, 30 years) performed measurements under four conditions with no attached fingernails and with fingernails extending 2, 1, and 0.5 cm beyond the tip of the finger. Analyses of variance showed that: 1) with fingernails of all extended lengths, grip strength measured on the first setting of the Jamar hand dynamometer decreased; 2) with fingernails 1 and 2 cm in length, AROM, grip strength on the second dynamometer setting, and finger manipulation decreased; and 3) with fingernails 2 cm in length, typing speed decreased (p < 0.05). Long fingernails limit flexion of the finger joints, particularly the metacarpophalangeal joints. Lack of finger flexion will limit excursion of long flexors and extensors in patients. It is recommended that patients cut their fingernails to a length of 0.5 cm to achieve optimal functional outcomes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)211-217
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Hand Therapy
Volume13
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2000

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