Evaluation of human exposure to vibration in the hand-arm system during motorcycle riding activities

Work. 2023;75(4):1319-1330. doi: 10.3233/WOR-220269.

Abstract

Background: The majority of Indians prefer to drive by two-wheeler. Hands are the most important interface between the rider and bike while riding a motorbike. The vibration is transferred to the physical structure by the handlebar as it travels. Long-term exposure to the vibrations may have an impact on various bodily structures.

Objective: To measure and analyse the human exposure to vibration in the hand-arm system while riding a motorcycle using a vibrometer.

Methods: The several types of bikes based on their cc's were evaluated in three different road conditions during this investigation (tar road, concrete road, and gravel road). The subjective and quantitative data of each participant were recorded. The RMS A(8) values were supported for every combination of motorcycles and road conditions, and vibration intensity was evaluated using a tri-axial vibrometer.

Results: The exposure limit value for daily vibration exposure is 5 m/s2 according to the UK Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 standards.This study suggests that the bike with the least amount of vibration be used to prevent hand-arm vibration (HAV) syndrome. This study found that bike C had the least vibration across all three types of roads, which will benefit riders by reducing health issues as they ride. Therefore, it is further examined utilising the Taguchi method with various bike C age groups. Bike C with the lowest age had the least vibration when different bike C ages were compared, hence it was recommended for riding.

Conclusion: The vibration level of each bike has a huge impact, which was measured using a tri-axial vibrometer. According to the results, bike C has the least vibration across three distinct types of roads and also provides riders with less health issues while riding bikes. As a result, a moped can drive in three different road circumstances with the least amount of vibration, delivering comfort and safety while lowering vibration levels.

Keywords: Hand-arm vibration syndrome; ergonomics; long-term exposure.

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Bicycling
  • Humans
  • Motorcycles*
  • Off-Road Motor Vehicles*
  • Vibration / adverse effects