Measurement and Characteristic Analysis of Skeletal Geometric Parameters in Chinese humans

Problem: Significant differences exist between the body dimensions of Chinese and Western individuals, and these differences affect the injury characteristics of passengers in traffic accidents. Most current parametric finite element human models are based on Western body data, which does not adequately assess the injury risks for Chinese individuals. Therefore, it is imperative to establish a digital model that reflects the anatomical features of Chinese humans. This requires comprehensive anthropometric data specific to the Chinese population. Aim: This study aims to collect and analyze skeletal geometric parameters from various representative regions in China across different age groups to fill the gap in Chinese anthropometric data. Additionally, it seeks to explore regional and age-related differences in these parameters, providing a scientific basis for developing finite element models that reflect the characteristics of the Chinese population. Methods: Clinical CT data of skeletal geometric parameters were collected from 224 individuals across seven representative regions of China, including parameters of the head, chest, and lower limbs. Descriptive statistics, K-W tests, and U-tests were used to analyze regional differences. Spearman correlation and linear regression analyses were employed to assess the impact of age. Furthermore, weighted averages and weighted variances of skeletal geometric parameters were calculated to reflect the characteristics of individuals from various regions across the country, which will be applied in the development of Chinese human models. Results: The results indicate significant regional differences in the skeletal geometric parameters of Chinese individuals, exhibiting regional patterns between the north–south and east–west areas. While skeletal geometric parameters showed significant differences with age, no clear statistical pattern was observed. Conclusion: This study systematically extracts and analyzes the skeletal geometric parameters of the Chinese population from regional and age perspectives for the first time. These data will be applied in the development of Chinese human models, providing crucial support for improving passenger safety in traffic accidents, enhancing vehicle safety design, and establishing anthropometric standards suitable for the Chinese context.