Abstract
Motorcycling postures are generically speculated to be physical and physiologically demanding – which in-turn may lead to motorcycling fatigue, and then becoming a possible factor to road accident. The objective of this study was to measure the muscular activities of various motorcycling postures. High muscular activity reading will signifies that motorcycling is indeed physically and physiologically demanding to the motorcyclist. For this particular study, the following postures were tested: i) forward lean, ii) upright sitting, and iii) neutral sitting (as control). Surface electromyography (sEMG) measurement was conducted on the following muscles: i) extensor carpi radialis, ii) upper trapezius iii) latissimus dorsi, and iv) erector spinae. The results showed that for all test subjects, the muscular activities readings for the forward lean posture was actually close to neutral sitting’s. Whilst, the upright sitting had showed much higher muscular activities measurement instead. Conclusively, this study had proven that any types of discomforts associated with the forward lean posture is not originated from muscular activities. Whereas, confirming that any discomforts in regards to the upright sitting is indeed related to muscular activities. Further studies are warranted to discover the actual risk factors that causes physical and physiological discomforts for the forward lean motorcycling posture.
Highlights
An ergonomics study by Ma’arof et al, (2012) had discussed in great detail that motorcycling posture i.e. the sitting posture practiced by motorcyclist whilst riding; is ergonomically unfitting
The results had shown that the forward lean motorcycling posture showed the lowest RMS reading for all selected muscles during the first stage of human-motorcycle interface i.e. from the very intial stage of motorcycling
The results confirmed that any discomforts in regards to the upright sitting is related to muscular activities
Summary
An ergonomics study by Ma’arof et al, (2012) had discussed in great detail that motorcycling posture i.e. the sitting posture practiced by motorcyclist whilst riding; is ergonomically unfitting. As unfitting it may seem, global statistics has indicated that there is an increment in the number of registered motorcycles especially in the Asian region (Shell.com, 2013, Honda Annual Report, 2012). In the wake of global petroleum crisis, the demands for economical mode of transportations are on the rise (Young, 2013). Most members of the society are seeking optional vehicles that have high fuel efficiency while simultaneously easy to be maintained. The market for green vehicles does exist. With the rise of motorcycles usage, this number shows a corresponding increase in global motorcycle roads accidents
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
