Comparative study between circumferential method and laser scanner 3D method for the evaluation of arm volume in healthy subjects

Objective: Accurate and convenient measurement of upper limb volume is an important clinical tool to measure incidence of lymphedema and response to treatments. There are several methods used to evaluate arm volumes. The most commonly used methods include water displacement and circumferential method (CM), but these techniques have some limitation in use and accuracy that needs the use of a new technique for volume and swelling detection: laser scanner 3D method (LS3D). The aim of the study was to compare, in terms of intra- and interreliability, the CM and LS3D methods for the upper limb measure in a healthy subject group. Methods: Twelve healthy adults (average age, 29 ± 5.39 years; average weight, 63.88 ± 7.97 kg; and average height, 168.38 ± 7.29 cm) participated. Arm measurements were done using both CM and LS3D methods. Statistical analysis was conducted, and intra- and inter-reliability was investigated. CM and LS3D methods were also compared in terms of level of agreement. Results: Both CM and LS3D methods have a high inter- and intrarater reliability and a satisfactory level of agreement, but we found a statistically significant difference in terms of volume. The laser scanner is a more accurate volume instrument, and our results shown a statistically significant difference of volumes between methods. Conclusions: Our findings provide LS3D is an innovative method of measuring the upper limb volume that could be used instead of CM. It combines precision, reproducibility, ease of use, and the ability to measure geometrical parameters and shape information of the scanned limb.