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Method for Assessing Numbness and Discomfort in Cyclists' Hands
Flavia Marrone1, Nicole Sanna1, Giacomo Zanoni1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20156 Milano, Italy.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 14, 2025
Summary
Cyclists experience hand numbness from road vibrations. A new lab method effectively measures this using vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) and discomfort scores, differentiating handlebar designs.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Factors Engineering
- Sports Science
Background:
- Road irregularities transmit vibrations to cyclists' hands, causing discomfort and numbness.
- Assessing these effects objectively is crucial for improving cyclist comfort and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a laboratory method for assessing vibration-induced hand numbness and discomfort in cyclists.
- To evaluate the sensitivity of the vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) and subjective discomfort scores.
Main Methods:
- A laboratory setup simulating road-bike interaction using a smart trainer and vibrating platform.
- Measurement of vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) in fingers and subjective discomfort via questionnaire.
- Testing with ten male volunteers across two handlebar designs during one-hour cycling sessions.
Main Results:
- The proposed method successfully identified vibration-induced perception shifts and differences between fingers.
- VPT measurements proved sensitive to vibration exposure and handlebar design variations.
- Discomfort scores exhibited significant inter-subject variability, highlighting the need for combined objective and subjective measures.
Conclusions:
- The developed laboratory method is effective for assessing hand numbness and discomfort in cyclists.
- Combining objective VPT measurements with subjective discomfort ratings provides a comprehensive evaluation.
- This approach can aid in the design of handlebars that minimize vibration transmission and enhance rider comfort.
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