The Effect of Grasping the Steering Wheel While Positioning the Shoulder Closer to the Body

Last reviewed: March 2026

Background and Rationale

The biomechanics of driving posture have significant implications for both driver comfort and safety. Among the various aspects of driving ergonomics, the upper extremity—including the shoulder, arm, and hand—is subjected to sustained static loading during steering wheel operation. Prolonged or repeated exposure to suboptimal postures can lead to musculoskeletal disorders of the shoulder, neck, and upper back, conditions that are increasingly prevalent among professional drivers and regular commuters in Malaysia.

The position of the shoulder relative to the body during steering wheel operation is determined by a combination of factors including seat position, steering wheel height and angle, and the driver’s individual body proportions. When the shoulder is positioned further from the body—as occurs when the steering wheel is too far away or too high—the muscles of the shoulder girdle must work harder to maintain arm position, leading to increased static loading and faster onset of fatigue.

This study investigated the effects of modifying steering wheel grasp position to bring the shoulder closer to the body, examining the consequences for muscle activation patterns and overall upper extremity ergonomics. Published in the MJPHM Special Volume on occupational health, the research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting ergonomic interventions for the Malaysian driving population.

Study Design and Methods

The research employed an experimental design with participants performing standardised steering tasks under different grasp conditions. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to measure muscle activation levels in key muscle groups of the shoulder and upper arm. Participants were assessed under conditions where the shoulder was positioned at varying distances from the body, achieved through manipulation of the steering wheel grasp position and seat adjustment.

The primary outcome measures included peak and average EMG amplitude in the targeted muscles, as well as subjective ratings of comfort and perceived exertion. Data were analysed to determine whether significant differences in muscle activation existed between different shoulder positioning conditions.

Principal Findings

The study found that positioning the shoulder closer to the body during steering wheel operation resulted in measurable changes in muscle activation patterns. Certain grasp positions that brought the shoulder closer to the trunk were associated with lower levels of muscle activation in the shoulder girdle muscles, suggesting reduced static loading and potentially lower risk of musculoskeletal fatigue during prolonged driving.

These findings have practical implications for driving ergonomics, as they suggest that relatively simple adjustments to steering wheel positioning and driver posture can influence the biomechanical demands placed on the upper extremity. The results support the principle that maintaining the upper arms closer to the body—a fundamental tenet of ergonomic design—is beneficial during driving activities.

Implications for Malaysian Drivers

With Malaysia’s extensive road network and high rates of motor vehicle ownership, millions of Malaysians spend significant portions of their day behind the wheel. Professional drivers, including taxi drivers, delivery personnel, and long-haul truck operators, are particularly at risk for driving-related musculoskeletal disorders. The findings of this study suggest that driver education programmes should include guidance on optimal steering wheel adjustment and grasp technique as part of broader occupational health and safety initiatives.

Automotive manufacturers may also benefit from these findings, as they inform the design of adjustable steering column systems that allow drivers to achieve ergonomically optimal positions more easily. The integration of such features into Malaysian-manufactured vehicles could contribute to improved driver comfort and reduced musculoskeletal injury risk.

Limitations

This laboratory-based study may not fully capture the complexity of real-world driving conditions, including road vibrations, varying terrain, and the cognitive demands of traffic navigation. The sample may not represent the full anthropometric diversity of the Malaysian driving population. Further research incorporating on-road assessments and larger, more diverse samples would strengthen the evidence base.

Significance of This Research

This study contributes to the understanding of upper extremity biomechanics during driving, an area of particular relevance to the Malaysian context given the country’s high rates of vehicle usage and growing prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. By providing evidence for the benefits of optimal shoulder positioning during steering, it supports practical interventions that can be readily implemented by drivers, employers of professional drivers, and automotive manufacturers alike.

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