Altered Riding Posture and Postural Pain in a Motorbike Rider: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Motorcycle riding for prolonged durations, particularly on sport bikes, often requires a flexed trunk posture with thoracic kyphosis and scapular protraction. Sustained faulty riding posture combined with inadequate ergonomic awareness may lead to musculoskeletal disorders involving the neck, shoulder, and upper back. Such biomechanical stress can result in postural abnormalities, pain, and functional limitations affecting activities of daily living. Physiotherapy plays an important role in the conservative management of these conditions through pain reduction, postural correction, and functional rehabilitation.
Case Description: This case report describes a 26-year-old male student who presented with severe right shoulder and upper back pain following an 800-km continuous ride on a sports motorbike performed without adequate preparation or rest intervals. The patient reported progressive pain, morning stiffness, and difficulty performing daily activities. Clinical examination revealed protracted shoulders, increased thoracic kyphosis, trigger points in the thoracic paraspinals and trapezius muscles, and significant tenderness from T1–T6 levels. Baseline pain intensity on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was 8/10, with restricted cervical and shoulder range of motion and reduced muscle strength. Radiological investigations, including X-ray and MRI, ruled out structural abnormalities.
Intervention: A structured physiotherapy rehabilitation program was implemented for six weeks. The treatment protocol included heat therapy, myofascial release using instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), stretching exercises, Swiss-ball–based postural correction, strengthening exercises with Thera-bands, spinal extension exercises, neck isometrics, and functional rehabilitation. The program aimed to reduce pain, restore mobility, correct posture, and improve muscular strength and biomechanical alignment.
Results: Following six weeks of physiotherapy intervention, the patient demonstrated significant improvement in clinical outcomes. Pain intensity reduced from 8/10 to 2/10 on the VAS scale. Shoulder and cervical range of motion improved considerably, and muscle strength increased as measured using a handheld dynamometer. Postural correction was also observed with a reduction in thoracic kyphotic posture and scapular protraction.
Conclusion: Prolonged motorcycle riding with improper posture and inadequate rest can lead to biomechanical stress and musculoskeletal pain in the cervical and thoracic regions. This case highlights the effectiveness of a comprehensive physiotherapy rehabilitation program in managing postural pain associated with motorcycle riding. Awareness of proper riding ergonomics and physical conditioning before long rides may help prevent such conditions