Digital anthropometric evaluation of young children: comparison to results acquired with conventional anthropometry

Three-dimensional optical (3DO) imaging devices for acquiring anthropometric measurements are proliferating in healthcare facilities, although applicability in young children has not been evaluated; small body size and movement may limit device accuracy. The current study aim was to critically test three commercial 3DO devices in young children.

The number of successful scans and circumference measurements at six anatomic sites were quantified with the 3DO devices in 64 children, ages 5-8 years. Of the scans available for processing, 3DO and flexible tape-measure measurements made by a trained anthropometrist were compared.

Sixty of 181 scans (33.1%) could not be processed for technical reasons. Of processed scans, mean 3DO-tape circumference differences tended to be small (~1-9%) and varied across systems; correlations and bias estimates also varied in strength across anatomic sites and systems (e.g., regression R²s, 0.54-0.97, all p < 0.01). Overall findings differed across devices; best results were for a multi-camera stationary system and less so for two rotating single- or dual-camera systems.

Available 3DO devices for quantifying anthropometric dimensions in adults vary in applicability in young children according to instrument design. These findings suggest the need for 3DO devices designed specifically for small and/or young children.