Utilizing anthropometric measurements and 3D scanning for health assessment in clinical practice

Abstract

Anthropometric measurement as a traditional method for estimating human body dimension has been widely used among diverse scientific disciplines. In the clinical setting, anthropometric data could be used to assess body composition and nutrition status, predict obesity-related health risks, and respond to treatments. Nowadays, the development of 3D scanning technology and in-depth data analysis has innovated the way of anthropometric measurement and its application. This study provides an overview of the current application of anthropometric measurement in clinical practice, we first describe the application of anthropometric indicators in the health assessment, and highlight its advantages and limitations. We then outline 3D scanning technology for anthropometric measurement and explore its potential applications from various perspectives. Overall, regarding the application of anthropometric measurements in health assessment, it is essential to establish assessment criteria targeted to specific population groups, considering the diversity in anthropometric characteristics among various ages, genders, ethnicities, and demographics. Furthermore, with the development of statistical modelling techniques, the extensive anthropometric data collected by 3D scanning can achieve its maximum benefit in the field of biological health.