Applying three-dimensional body scanning technologies to body shape analysis

The purpose of this study was to explore female body shapes and to investigate possible relationships between body shape characteristics, fit problems, body cathexis and clothing benefits sought. Body shape analysis was based on the Body Shape Assessment Scale (BSAS(c)). Software was developed to analyze body scan data for body shapes based on BSAS(c). A convenience sample of 529 women between the ages of 19--55 participated in this study. Participants of this study filled out an anonymous market survey in addition to providing body scan data.;The specific research questions for this study were: (1) Were Body Mass Index (BMI) scores related to Body Build (BSAS) categories? (2) Was Body Shape related to Body Build, Age, or Ethnicity? (3) Was Posture related to Body Build? (4) Was there a relationship between any component body shapes and Body Shape, Body Build or Posture? (5) Were there relationships among component body shapes? (6) Did self-reported body shapes match experts' assignments of body shape? (7) Did self-reported body (bust, waist, and hips) measurements match body scan-generated measurements? (8) Were fit problems related to Body Build, Body Shape, Posture, or any component body shapes? (9) Was Body Cathexis related to Body Build or Body Shape? (10) Were components of body cathexis related to Body Build, Body Shape, or any component body shapes? (11) Was the benefits subjects' seek in clothing related to their Body Build, Body Shape, or component body shapes?;The market research questionnaire used in this study had been used in previous research and is known to have good validity and reliability. One hundred body scans were rated for body shape based BSAS(c) by five experts. These results were used to program the BMS software. This software was used for shape analysis of all the participants.;All the research questions were answered. The (BMI) scores related to Body Build (BSAS) categories. Body Shape related to Body Build and Age. Posture was not related to Body Build. There were relationships between some component body shapes and Body Shape, Body Build and Posture. There were relationships among component body shapes. Most respondents were found to know their body measurements, but not their body shape. Fit problems, body cathexis and clothing benefits sought were found to be related to body shape, body build, posture and some component body parts.