Evaluation of posture support on riding discomfort among student in University Putra Malaysia

KHWAJA NIZAMUDDIN, NUR HIDAYATUL AINI (2020) Evaluation of posture support on riding discomfort among student in University Putra Malaysia. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text FPSK4 2020 26.pdf Download (3MB)

Abstract

Introduction: Motorcycles are recognized as an important form of transport both locally and internationally. In Malaysia, motorcycles and cars are rated as two important transportations for people’s daily activities. In terms of ergonomic, the motorcyclists riding comfort is seen as one of the important elements to be considered. There is a relation between motorcycle road accidents with the cases of human error due to fatigue. In order to improve the motorcyclist’s discomfort which leads to fatigue, an ideal riding posture is required. However, the current motorcycle seat lack of such support features. Objective: Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the posture support in reducing motorcyclists discomfort level.. Methodology: This study was conducted among the students (motorcyclists) in Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor. One hundred and fifty-six motorcyclists (78 participants in each control and experimental group) participated in this study; they were all in good physical condition. Each participant was required to wear Truposture smart shirt (to monitor their real time body posture) while riding for a duration of 10km. Both groups rode the motorcycle in a controlled environment (similar road condition, same motorcycle model). The experimental group were required to wear the posture support. After completed 10km of riding, participants were required to rate their discomfort level on the Borg's CR-10 questionnaire. Results: This study found that the participants changed their postures irregularly and unconsciously as they try to adapt with riding process and environment. The participants experienced the most discomfort on their lower back (55% for the control group and 49% for the experimental group), tailbone (50% for the control group and 47% for the experimental group) and the upper buttocks (50% for the control group and 46% for the experimental group) during the riding process. There is no statistical difference of median for the discomfort rating on all body parts of both the control group and the experimental group. However, the Mann-Whitney U test indicated that only the overall discomfort of the motorcycle seat features was significantly greater for the control group (Mdn=3) than for the experimental group (Mdn=2), Z=-2.42, p=.016. Conclusion: The findings conclude that this prototype does reduce the discomfort on motorcyclist’s riding posture. Therefore, the posture support helps to reduce the overall discomfort on the experimental group. However, future study needs to be undertaken with larger sample size and longer distance and also in real uncontrolled environment settings. Keywords: Motorcyclists, Truposture Smart Shirt, Posture Support, Riding Discomfort.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Mr Hafizzuddin Hamidon
Date Deposited:	21 Feb 2023 04:32
Last Modified:	21 Feb 2023 04:32
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/818

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