Smartphone and tablet-based 3D scanner for anthropometric assessments in adults: a systematic review of reliability, validity, and accuracy.

Abstract

Recent advancements in smartphone and tablet-based 3D and 4D scanning technologies offer a promising alternative to traditional anthropometric methods, such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), by enabling the generation of digital human models using accessible and cost-effective devices. This systematic review aims to evaluate the accuracy, validity, and reliability of anthropometric measurements obtained through smartphone and tablet-based 3D and 4D scanning technologies compared to conventional methods. A total of 2172 studies, no Meta-analysis, systematic reviews or reviews, were screened on March 11, 2025, across five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect), with 13 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Included studies focused on healthy people above or 18 years old with only smartphone and tablet-based measurements and nothing like facial, dental dimensions or invasive techniques such as MRI and CT. Methodological quality was assessed by using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools. Key outcomes extracted include fat mass, body fat, body mass, fat free mass, waist-hip-ratio, appendicular lean mass and body height. Overall, reliability, for key anthropometric parameters such as fat mass, were strong (ICC > 0.9), validity high (R² ≥ 0.837), and good accuracy (RMSE 2.5-5.2). Although minor inconsistencies were noted in some fat-related metrics. Although this review aims to assess both 3D and 4D components, no studies using 4D measurements were found. To conclude, smartphone and tablet-based 3D scanning demonstrates strong potential as a viable and cost-effective alternative to traditional anthropometric methods. However, recommendations must be considered such as further algorithm development and establishment of standardized protocols.