Accuracy of age simulation gloves: a systematic review

Abstract The aim of this review was to identify studies that used age simulation suit hand components or age simulation gloves to reproduce age-related decline in hand function and critically assess how effective and realistic these simulations are. It also outlines an assessment framework for future studies. A search was conducted in the five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (including MEDLINE), CINAHL, and Cochrane) without language and date restrictions. Eligible studies included age simulation suit hand modules or age simulation gloves and reported physical, quantitative outcomes. Risk of bias was evaluated using ROBINS-I. Of 1620 records identified, 24 studies were included to full-text screening, and four studies were examined finally. Outcomes included grip strength (Jamar dynamometer), fine motor dexterity (Purdue Pegboard Test), activities of daily living (Sollerman Hand Function Test), and a study-specific carrying cube test, with reported reliability. The effects indicated large simulation-related declines in grip strength, fine dexterity, and activities of daily living (ADL) performance. However, the reductions did not consistently align with norms for older adults. Applications of age simulation suits and gloves reduce hand performance, but only partially replicate the effects of ageing. Future studies should consider multiple hand assessments beyond strength and dexterity, baseline alignment with normative age ranges, analysis of relative decline relative to age-referenced reductions, and interpretation using proportional changes rather than absolute scores alone.