Influence of Saddle Design and Riding Posture on the Prevalence of Coccydynia in Motorcycle Riders

Abstract

Background: Motorcycle riders are exposed to prolonged static sitting, constrained posture and whole-body vibration, but the specific contribution of saddle design and riding posture to coccydynia is poorly defined. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of coccydynia among motorcycle riders in Lahore and Gujranwala and to identify independent associations between saddle design, riding posture and coccydynia. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, 300 professional and commuter riders (mean age 32.4 ± 8.6 years; 99.3% male) completed a structured questionnaire and brief ergonomic assessment. Coccydynia was defined as coccygeal pain aggravated by sitting for ≥4 weeks. Exposures included saddle type, saddle tilt, cushioning rating, saddle width, riding posture score, forward trunk lean, daily riding hours, vibration exposure and shock-absorber condition. Group comparisons used t-tests and chi-square tests; associations among continuous variables were examined with Pearson correlations. Multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for coccydynia. Results: Coccydynia prevalence was 36.0% (108/300). Riders with coccydynia had longer daily riding (8.9 vs 6.1 h; p < 0.001), poorer posture (7.8 vs 5.6/10; p < 0.001), greater trunk lean (34.2° vs 25.4°; p < 0.001) and higher vibration scores (8.2 vs 5.9; p < 0.001). In regression, daily riding (aOR 1.62 per hour), posture score (aOR 1.86 per point), forward saddle tilt (aOR 3.60), vibration (aOR 1.46 per unit), poor shock absorbers (aOR 2.94) and trunk lean (aOR 1.97 per 10°) independently increased odds, whereas soft foam, gel and ergonomic saddles reduced odds by 76–94% (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Saddle design, saddle tilt and forward-leaning posture are major modifiable contributors to coccydynia in high-exposure motorcycle riders. Ergonomic and physiotherapy-based interventions targeting these factors are strongly warranted.