A novel approach to anthropometric assessment for geographically dispersed samples: A pilot study

Measurements by trained personnel are the criterion standard for assessments of body mass index (BMI) and obesity. Yet, in-person measurements are less practical for studies of geographically dispersed samples. Recent advances in technology and the success of telehealth suggests that videoconferencing may be promising. We conducted a pilot study to examine the validity of videoconference-assisted measurements (VCAM) relative to in-person measurements by trained staff. We collected height, weight, percent body fat and waist circumference measurements using VCAM and staff measured in a convenience sample of 50 greater Los Angeles participants. We calculated relative standardized differences, and agreement between the two approaches using Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman plots. The small magnitude of differences (effect sizes <0.03), and high agreement suggested that the two approaches produce similar values. Thus, completing height and weight measurements through videoconference may be a valid and cost-effective approach, especially for geographically dispersed samples.