Effects of lumbar support to reduce discomfort during prolonged riding among motocyclists

Vehicle population in Malaysia has increased tremendously causing extremely congested roads with all types of vehicles and passengers. Due to serious traffic congestion problem in Malaysia, motorcycle becomes the best mode of transportation compared to other types of vehicles. There are many attractions offered by a motorcycle but it is undeniable that motorcycle is the most hazardous type of vehicle mode and therefore requires more effort to improve their safety and comfort level. Instead of exposed to the risk of death, motorcyclists may possibly expose to the musculoskeletal problem due to prolonged sitting and poor riding posture. This prolonged sitting posture can cause motorcyclists to experience muscle discomfort, fatigue and pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of lumbar support in order to reduce riding discomfort and to provide a good riding posture for motorcyclists during prolonged riding. This study was conducted among male motorcyclists at University Putra Malaysia (UPM). 94 respondents were participated, with 47 respondents for each control and experimental group. Each respondents in experimental group were received lumbar support intervention whereas respondents in control group were not received lumbar support intervention. Borg’s scale CR-10 questionnaires were used to assess motorcyclists discomfort at every 15 minutes interval. Electromyography (EMG) signals were recorded from right and left erector spinae musculature during 2 hours riding session. The results showed lower back part experienced greatest discomfort compared to other body parts. The highest percentage of improvement can be seen at upper back (44.36%), followed by arms (39.75%, shoulder (38.33%), lower back (37.75%) and neck (32.22%). Percentage muscle exertion on RES was higher compared to the percentage muscle exertion on LES. Experimental group recorded the highest percentage of improvement on RES (-24.98%) and LES (-15.00) than control group. Borg’s scale discomfort ratings showed significant reduction between pre and post-test study within control (p<0.001) and experimental group (p<0.001). On the other hand, percentage muscle exertion on RES (p<0.001) and LES (p<0.001) showed significant reduction in experimental group only. There were statistically significant differences found in Borg’s scale measurement (p<0.001) and percentage muscle exertion on RES (p<0.001) and LES (p=0.001) between control and experimental groups. Results of Friedman test were found statistically significant differences in the Borg’s scale discomfort ratings (x2 = 275.621, p <0.001), percentage muscle exertion on RES (x2= 335.115, p <.001) and LES (x2= 131.501, p <.001) over 120 minute of riding session. In conclusion, the results of this study suggested that with the application of lumbar support (prototype) during 2 hours riding session can improve the comfort level among motorcyclists. Lumbar support may therefore has potential in reducing the occurrence of low back pain particularly among motorcycle users.

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