WellbeingUCL.org
Equipment
3D Body Scanning, Body Composition and other measurements
Our Survey involves collecting detailed measurement data from participants. How do we do this? Well, it's slightly more complicated than just measuring you with a tape measure, but essentially, its just a clever way of taking accurate measurements.
How to get Measured
Volunteering to take part in our Survey is a great help to us, as we can take the data obtained and gain useful information into the body shapes adults and sportsmen/women today. Want to take part? Make sure you follow the steps below:
When you have completed the Questionnaire(s) and printed out the barcode(s) for yourself (and your family) please come along to the measurement unit in the UCL South Junction (opposite Print Room Cafe).
- When you arrive at the Data Collection unit, you will be greeted by one of our team who will take you through the process. When you enter the measurement unit, you will get your barcode scanned.
- After you have been briefly shown around the unit, to familiarise you with the equipment.
- We start by measuring your blood pressure and lung function using simple (Internet-connected) devices.
- Then we measure your height and weight.
- Then we measure your Body Composition using a state-of-the-art Tanita which is used throughout the UCL Medical School.
- Then your body is scanned using our 3D Body Scanner (this is perfectly safe; like shining a torch on you).
- That's it! You're done, the whole scanning process is complete. Go towards the exit, and get your barcode scanned one last time.
- Don't forget your report on the way out, and thanks for helping us!
What is 3D Body Scanning?
A 3D body scan is as it sounds - a 3-Dimensional scan of the body. Basically, a digital 3D image of yourself, from which your body's surface can be reconstructed and measurements taken.
3D Body Scanning
The scanning process is fairly simple. The technology we use is called 'Light Projection' which is like shining a torch on your body and is totally safe. When you enter the scanning booth, your body is "lit up" using sixteen different light sources. Now, from the way the light reflects and refracts from your body, this can be measured to produce a point-cloud. Once fed into our computer, this point-cloud can then be used to render a 3D version of your body, from which we can record your body shape and take the measurements we require. This image shows how the data is obtained from a scan, and how it can be used:
The measurements obtained from the point-cloud are very accurate, more so than if you were to measure yourself. This diagram shows you simply how the scanning technology works:
Have a quick look at the web site below, to see what it is like inside the 3D body scanner.
Find our more about the TC2 3D Body Scanner
Body Composition Monitor
Tanita's Body Composition Monitors use Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)
to calculate body composition by sending a low, safe electrical signal through the body. The signal passes freely through fluids contained in lean tissue, such as muscle and blood, but meets resistance passing through fat tissue. Tanita monitors accurately measure this resistance and use it to calculate elements of body composition.
When set against gender, height, weight and body type, our monitors can calculate your body composition.
Find our more about Tanita body composition monitor
Stadiometer
Heightronic Digital stadiometer produces a quick digital measurement using an electronic capture sensor. It measures in centimetres and is accurate to 0.01 centimeters.
Find out more about Stadiometers 235 Digital Stadiometer
Other Equipment
We also plan to collect Physological data such as blood pressure and lung function using USB-connected devices from companies such as Microlife. An example is the Microlife WatchBP Home N which connects to a computer and is used for collecting blood pressure.