Comparison of Female and Male Post Mortem Human Subject Kinematic Responses and Injuries in Rear-Facing Seat Configurations in High-Speed Frontal Impacts

Authors: Yun-Seok Kang, Gretchen Baker, Angelo Marcallini Jr, Amanda Agnew, John Bolte IV, The Ohio State University; Rakshit Ramachandra, Transportation Research Center Inc.; Hyunjung Kwon, Craig Foster, Kevin Moorhouse, Vehicle Research and Test Center NHTSA

Abstract

This study compares female PMHS responses and injuries to those from the male PMHS in HSRFFI scenarios.  Twelve small female PMHS seated in identical seats to the males were subjected to the same HSRFFI pulse. Instrumentation was used to measure kinematics on the head, spine, pelvis, and ribs. Whole-body kinematics were recorded using motion capture. Female PMHS consistently showed lower head restraint, seatback, and lap belt loads compared to males across all test conditions (BRS>1.0), with BRS scores for head restraint forces as high as 4.01. While head and T1 kinematics were consistent with males in ABTS conditions (BRS < 1.0), significant differences were found in other areas (BRS>1.0). Female PMHS had larger head forward rotation and smaller pelvis z-displacement (less ramping) than males in the FDR conditions, leading to major discrepancies (BRS>2.0). Additionally, female chest deflection was smaller in one FDR condition (BRS=1.98), and tibia acceleration onset was earlier.  Female PMHS sustained severe to critical rib fractures (AIS3-AIS5) similar to males. However, all females in the FDR conditions and one in the ABTS condition sustained sacral fractures, an injury not seen in males. Females also had a higher frequency of lower extremity fractures (7 of 12) and vertebral body fractures (7 of 12) compared to males (2 of 14 and 1 of 14, respectively). These findings suggest that existing male PMHS data may not adequately predict responses and injury risks for females, emphasizing the need for female-specific biomechanical data to enhance safety tools and models.  

Type: Full Paper, Research

Keywords: female PMHS, rib fracture, spine injury, pelvis fracture, rear-facing 

© Stapp Association, 2025

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