title: Injury biomechanics research: an essential element in the prevention of trauma.
abstract: The central aspects of injury biomechanics research are defined and research approaches described. These aspects include the identification and definition of impact injury mechanisms, the quantification of biomechanical response to impact, the determination of impact tolerance levels, and the development and use of injury assessment devices and techniques for evaluating injury prevention systems. The current status of knowledge and technology is then reviewed for the head, cervical spine, thorax, abdomen, and lower extremity. Important gaps are identified, and research priorities emphasizing functional impairment are proposed.
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Science Department, General Motors Research Laboratories, Warren, MI 48090.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Viano
authors.forename: A I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Melvin
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Weber
mesh_terms: D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology; D012106:Research; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*