NEUROMUSCULAR CERVICAL SPINE MODEL FOR WHIPLASH

A computer model of the neuromusculature and passive elements of the cervical spine during whiplash is presented. The model indicates that the neuromusculature increases the rotational stability of the cervical spine during low level accelerations. This results in decreased bending but increased axial compressive stresses in the passive structures and increased axial tensile stresses in the neuromusculature. Increased neural feedback augments peak acceleration and stress because the "active" neuromusculature causes a flexion response near the end of the acceleration pulse. A decrease in neural delay time allows the muscles to act earlier and decrease peak accelerations and bending stresses.

• Corporate Authors:

  Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

  400 Commonwealth Drive
  Warrendale, PA  United States  15096
• Authors:
  • Pontius, U R
  • Liu, Y K
• Publication Date: 1976-10

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 21-30
• Serial:
  • Publication of: Offshore Technology Conference
  • Publisher: Offshore Technology Conference

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acceleration (Mechanics); Axial loads; Bending; Bending stress; Biomedical engineering; Biophysics; Computer programs; Mathematical models; Muscular system; Nervous system; Simulation; Spinal column; Stresses; Structural models; Tension; Traffic crashes; Whiplash
• Uncontrolled Terms: Axial stress; Models; Tensile stress
• Old TRIS Terms: Neuromuscular response; Physiological models
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00159879
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Report/Paper Numbers: SAE Spec Pub SP-412
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 27 1977 12:00AM