Validation of a 3-dimensional photonic scanner for the measurement of body volumes, dimensions, and percentage body fat

BACKGROUND: The 3-dimensional photonic scan (3DPS) technique has been used during the past decade in the fashion industry and for epidemiologic surveys to estimate human body sizes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to validate the accuracy of a recently developed 3DPS (C9036-02; Hamamatsu Photonics KK, Hamamatsu, Japan) for the measurement of body volume, circumferences, lengths, and percentage body fat with the use of underwater weighing (UWW) and tape measures as criterion methods. DESIGN: Ninety-two subjects (44 females and 48 males) aged 6-83 y and weighing 23-182 kg (52-400 lbs) participated in the study. The subjects were measured while they wore minimal clothing and a head cap. Similar measurements were performed on a mannequin with and without clothing RESULTS: All subjects were measured with 3DPS and a tape measure; 63 subjects underwent UWW and residual lung volume measurements. The values obtained with 3DPS were slightly but significantly greater than those obtained with UWW for body volume (81.9 ± 4.0 L compared with 81.5 ± 4.0 L, P < 0.0001) and those obtained with a tape measure for circumferences (P < 0.001), but the values for percentage body fat were not significantly different between 3DPS and UWW (P = 0.648). The values obtained with 3DPS were significantly greater than those obtained by UWW and a tape measure for the clothed mannequin, but the values were not uniformly significantly different for the mannequin without clothing. CONCLUSIONS: The 3DPS measures body volume, circumferences, and length rapidly and accurately. However, to generate an accurate total-body volume measurement with 3DPS to estimate percentage body fat, the subjects must wear close-fitting minimal clothing and be able to stand motionless for 10 s (normal scan mode) while holding their breath, which is done immediately after a maximum expiration.