THREE-DIMENSIONAL DIGITAL ANTHROPOMETRY FOR CLINICAL CARE AND PUBLIC HEALTH: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF MEASUREMENT VALIDITY, UTILITY, AND IMPLEMENTATION

ABSTRACT This systematic review examines the accuracy, consistency, and translational potential of three-dimensional (3D) digital body measurement in clinical and public health settings. Seven studies published between 2020 and 2025 were included covering healthy children and adults, patients in weight management clinics, and large population surveys. Technologies assessed included optical, laser, photonic, and smartphone 3D scanners. Across the studies, 3D measurements demonstrated high agreement with reference standards for body volume, circumference, and composition, with repeated scans showing strong reliability and minimal technical error. Body-shape modeling enabled identification of phenotypes associated with cardiovascular risk that are not captured by conventional metrics such as BMI. Early implementation in clinical and pediatric settings was feasible, and population-level applications indicated scalability. However, evidence on usability, cost, device calibration, and long-term maintenance remains limited. Overall, 3D digital anthropometry demonstrates strong potential as a precise, reproducible, and non-invasive approach for body measurement. However, current evidence remains limited, and further research is needed to evaluate cost-effectiveness, standardization, and long-term applicability in clinical and public health settings.