Concussion Research Rounds: Concussion and Motor Vehicle Collisions – Canadian Concussion Network

Details

These rounds are presented by the Canadian Concussion Centre at Toronto Western Hospital.

Presentation 1: Concussion in Motor Vehicle Collisions: Clinical Data and Updates

Presenter: Jeremy Colangelo

Abstract: The Canadian Concussion Centre (CCC) has previously asserted that female vehicle occupants of rear-end collision accidents are especially at risk for sustaining concussion and experiencing persisting concussionsymptoms, and that current vehicle safety systems are failing to adequately protect vehicle occupants against concussion. This presentation comprises a brief overview of our established research on concussions in motor vehicle collisions (MVC) and a series of updates on the research activities of the CCC related to these findings. This includes (1) new data collected by the CCC on concussion in MVC since our most recent journal publication, (2) the activities and aims of road safety committees with which we are involved: the Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals’ Young Professionals Committee and the MVC Injury Prevention Committee of the CCC, (3) collaboration with MEA Forensic Engineers & Scientists to collect data from concussed vehicle occupants through vehicle examination and black box data extraction, and (4) collaboration with the University of Ottawa to model rear-end collisions in their impact testing laboratory.

Presentation 2: Influence of Head Position and Neck Stiffness on Concussion Risk in Rear-End Vehicle Collisions

Presenter: Kate Gilliland

Abstract: This study investigates how initial head position and neck stiffness influence head kinematics and concussion risk in rear-end vehicle collisions using a body-first impact model. Rear-impact simulations were conducted with a 95th percentile male Hybrid III anthropometric test device and a neck spring apparatus representing neck muscle contraction. Two head-to-headrest distances (0 cm and 7.62 cm) were tested across three impact velocities (3, 5.5, and 7 m/s). Head linear and rotational accelerations were recorded and used as inputs for finite element analysis with the UCD2 brain model to estimate maximal principal strain (MPS). Kinematic responses increased with velocity, reaching up to 40.8 g and 3848 rad/s² at higher speeds. The 7.62 cm offset had minimal influence on peak accelerations but slightly prolonged impact duration. Finite element simulations produced peak MPS values of 27.5%, exceeding the 50% concussion probability threshold (~21%). Peak risk occurred during the rebound phase, when the head accelerates forward following neck extension, despite no direct head contact. These findings demonstrate that concussion risk increases with rear-impact velocity and is influenced by neck stiffness and seat energy transfer, highlighting important considerations for rear-impact safety standards.

How to join

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83431863891?pwd=ydP7X6tyTyMJpAUqhT8msQIKTTCpAg.1

Meeting ID: 834 3186 3891

Passcode: 918224

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