Authors :
Dr. Vashima Veerkumar; Rinusha Rajan
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 7 - July
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/yc7s2zzt
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/4kda35an
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jul1600
Note : A published paper may take 4-5
working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and
ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Auto Rickshaw Drivers play a crucial role in urban transportation, yet their working conditions often expose them
to significant postural discomfort. The objective of the present study was to assess the extent of postural discomfort
experienced by CNG-operated Auto Rickshaw Drivers in Vadodara City. A descriptive research design was adopted using
purposive convenience sampling. Data was collected from 120 Auto Rickshaw Drivers through a structured questionnaire
and observation sheet. The findings revealed that 31.67 per cent of the respondents experienced high psychosocial stress due
to passenger behavior, particularly when dealing with rude or difficult passengers. In terms of physical factors, 75.00 per
cent of respondents always experienced postural discomfort due to frequent adjustments of the steering wheel, while 73.33
per cent reported persistent discomfort caused by seat design. Significant discomfort was also noted in specific body regions,
such as the neck, ankles, legs, and hips, with 50.00 per cent of respondents reporting consistent discomfort from vibrations
while driving. Regarding postures adopted, 46.66 per cent of respondents consistently maintained an arm posture with
elbows bent at 120°, and 66.66 per cent sometimes drove with wrists slightly bent upwards. Additionally, 75.00 per cent
sometimes adopted a trunk posture leaning to one side, and 71.66 per cent sometimes bent their neck sideways while driving.
The study highlights the relationship between psychosocial stress, physical factors, and poor driving postures as major
contributors to postural discomfort. The findings emphasize the need for ergonomic interventions and seat redesign to
improve the health and working conditions of Auto Rickshaw Drivers.
Keywords :
Auto Rickshaw Drivers · Postural Discomfort · Psychosocial Stress · Physical Factors · Postures · Ergonomics.
References :
- Chauhan, A., & Verma, M. (2019). Occupational health risks among auto-rickshaw drivers in urban India: A review. Journal of Occupational Health and Safety, 27(3), 45-52.
- Patel, S. (2020). Musculoskeletal discomfort and work-related stress among auto-rickshaw drivers. International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 7(6), 2283–2288.
- Singh, M., & Sharma, A. (2018). Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among commercial vehicle drivers: An ergonomic approach. Journal of Ergonomics, 8(2), 1-5.
- Chaudhary, R. (2021). Ergonomic challenges in urban transportation workers: A study on seat design and posture. Indian Journal of Occupational Health, 63(4), 210-215.
- World Health Organization. (2019). Musculoskeletal conditions. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/musculoskeletal-conditions
- Desai, P., Patel, H., & Mehta, R. (2020). Occupational health hazards among informal sector workers in India: A review study. Journal of Public Health Research, 9(3), 186–192.
Auto Rickshaw Drivers play a crucial role in urban transportation, yet their working conditions often expose them
to significant postural discomfort. The objective of the present study was to assess the extent of postural discomfort
experienced by CNG-operated Auto Rickshaw Drivers in Vadodara City. A descriptive research design was adopted using
purposive convenience sampling. Data was collected from 120 Auto Rickshaw Drivers through a structured questionnaire
and observation sheet. The findings revealed that 31.67 per cent of the respondents experienced high psychosocial stress due
to passenger behavior, particularly when dealing with rude or difficult passengers. In terms of physical factors, 75.00 per
cent of respondents always experienced postural discomfort due to frequent adjustments of the steering wheel, while 73.33
per cent reported persistent discomfort caused by seat design. Significant discomfort was also noted in specific body regions,
such as the neck, ankles, legs, and hips, with 50.00 per cent of respondents reporting consistent discomfort from vibrations
while driving. Regarding postures adopted, 46.66 per cent of respondents consistently maintained an arm posture with
elbows bent at 120°, and 66.66 per cent sometimes drove with wrists slightly bent upwards. Additionally, 75.00 per cent
sometimes adopted a trunk posture leaning to one side, and 71.66 per cent sometimes bent their neck sideways while driving.
The study highlights the relationship between psychosocial stress, physical factors, and poor driving postures as major
contributors to postural discomfort. The findings emphasize the need for ergonomic interventions and seat redesign to
improve the health and working conditions of Auto Rickshaw Drivers.
Keywords :
Auto Rickshaw Drivers · Postural Discomfort · Psychosocial Stress · Physical Factors · Postures · Ergonomics.
