Currently, computational models are used to investigate potential injury mechanisms for whiplash associated disorders (WAD). These models are often designed to represent the average male subject only;​ therefore anthropometric subject differences are mostly not accounted for. In this research a simplified parametric computational model of the head and neck is designed to investigate how anthropometric subject differences affect the dynamics of head-and-neck behavior.

A lumped parameter approach, consisting of the head and cervical spine with segmental mass and inertia, is used to develop a model to investigate the head and neck responses to typical whiplash acceleration pulses. There are two stages for the model:​ first, the anthropometric model is generated. The geometry and the inertia properties are predicted based on regression equations using anthropometric subject data, therefore not a simple scaled approach. Lumped nonlinear joint functions are used to represent the viscoelastic neck behavior. Second, the generated anthropometric model is driven by a dynamic pulse applied at the first thoracic vertebra.

Six models were generated to represent the 5th, 50th and 95th percentile male and female subjects respectively. The models’ prediction for mass and moment of inertia have been verified using anthropometric data in the literature for each respective model/subject. Then, the 50th percentile male subject model was dynamically tested and verified against published volunteer rear-end experiments. Finally, further male models with different anthropometric parameters were generated and their dynamic head-and-neck response was investigated. For anthropometric parameter changes, dynamic behavior differences are visible for global (gross) head motion and intervertebral (segmental) motion. It is concluded that anthropometric subject differences are likely to have an effect on the whiplash injury risk for individuals, as subjects respond differently in similar crash condition.