Development of a high-powered motorcycle seat discomfort survey (MSDS): traffic police motorcycle

Abstract

High-powered motorcycles are commonly used as traffic police motorcycles worldwide. However, the seating discomfort for this type of motorcycles is less studied. Furthermore, there is no specific standardised questionnaire to evaluate the seating discomfort for high-powered motorcycles. Thus, the purpose of this study is to develop a high-powered motorcycles seating discomfort survey (MSDS) and evaluate its validity as well as reliability. Inputs from literature and key informants helped in establishing the appropriate terms used for each questionnaire item. Traffic police riders with no musculoskeletal disorders history and good physical condition participated in this study. Each participant was asked to rate their seat discomfort after a 20-min ride. The results indicate that this survey is reliable with a significant reliability coefficient of (r = 0.84, p < 0.01) and an internal consistency of (α > 0.75). As a result, this study successfully evaluated and identified the level of discomfort of a high-powered motorcycle seat among users using this MSDS which is statistically proven in its validity and reliability. Therefore, it can be used as an ergonomic measuring tool to improve the discomfort of high-powered motorcycle seat.