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Body scanning as an anthropometric measurement tool.
Author(s) -
Heuberger Roschelle Adelle,
Klamer Holly Laurene,
Domina Tanya,
Macgillivray Maureen,
Lerch Terence
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.20.4.a182
Subject(s) - waist , anthropometry , circumference , scanner , tape measure , body surface , medicine , mathematics , artificial intelligence , computer science , body mass index , geometry , pathology
The objective of this study was to validate a body scanning device as an anthropometric measurement tool in healthy human subjects. The scanner has 8 cameras, 4 lasers and collects 300,000 data points in 12 seconds. It generates a 3D image of the surface geometry of the body and 80+ body circumference measurements. Volunteers (n=107) were scanned and anthropometric measurements were obtained by trained interviewers. The results of the scanned measures were compared with those obtained by tape measure for waist and hip circumference. Subjects completed questionnaires regarding the experience of being scanned, as well as body image information. The differences between tape measured circumferences and scanned circumferences were statistically different when analyzed using a T‐test at p < 0.05. The mean waist to hip ratio differential was 0.04 (absolute value) between the scanned and taped measurements. In conclusion, the body scanner provides highly accurate, reproducible, non‐invasive, fast and comfortable means of measuring body surface geometry. The technology reduces reliance on interviewers and decreases error and time needed for assessment. The results of this study show potential benefit for the use of this technology as an assessment tool for large scale epidemiological inquiry. Research support provided by Central Michigan University Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.