Whiplash Injury Prevention for Females, joint research Chalmers - Folksam

Purpose and goal

The objective to strengthen the exchange between Chalmers and Folksam has been fulfilled. Mats Svensson increased his network within Folksam. The focus on women´s lesser protection against whiplash injuries led to research progress and publication. Data from real injury cases gave new insights for the biomechanical research and was used as input in crash testing using a female size dummy. Mats acted as an ambassador for his colleagues at Chalmers. Together with Folksams research team Mats identified possibilities for future collaboration on experimental and clinical research.

Expected results and effects

Chalmers niche in impact biomechanics was combined with Folksams strength in injury data research. Mats got new input and found new ways to address challenges in injury biomechanics. Whiplash injuries are particularly costly for Folksam and they received new knowledge and and explanatory models for the higher whiplash injury risk in women. New contacts were established with pain expertise at the Karolinska Hospital were self reported patient data can be included and later obtained via the insurance register for new unique research possibilities.

Planned approach and implementation

Mats Svensson had an office place at Folksam and was present on average two days every second week. Mats had regular meetings with Folksams researchers and got involved in ongoing research. Examples may be research on unprotected road users and sports injuries. Mats involved Folksam´s researchers in ongoing research at Chalmers, including women´s elevated whipash injury risk and sports related injuries such as brain injuries.