3D body scan analysis of dimensional change in lower body measurements for active body positions

Abstract

In this study we use 3D scans to measure and analyze lower body measurement change for various active body positions, comparing a standing posture, a 120° knee bend posture, a one pace stepping posture, and a sitting posture with 90° knee bend. Small hemispherical markers identified body landmarks for reliable measurement of the 3D scans. Study participants were 25 females, aged 18 to 24, with hip measurements from 93 cm to 103 cm. We compared the measurements from each posture to a standing posture with feet apart and arms abducted (a modified anthropometric stance commonly used for body scanning). We also tested the reliability of the 3D measurements on active postures. Two types of measurements were compared, 3D scan measurements using virtual tools on the computer screen and traditional manual anthropometric measurements. No significant differences between the two types of measurements were found except for knee height. Selected scan measurements were also repeated three times and found to be reliable. A comparison of scan measurements in the active postures showed significant changes from the standard standing scan posture. The sitting posture showed the most change in measurements. Back center leg length, front center leg length, front waist to hip line depth, front crotch length, back crotch length, knee girth, and hip girth were the items that exhibited the most change in the sitting posture. The measurement of 3D scans provided a reliable and convenient method for comparative measurements between active body positions, which would be impractical to measure using standard anthropometric methods.