Development and Reliability of a Novel iPad-based Application to Rapidly Assess Body Image

Abstract

PURPOSE: To improve upon our current assessment of a person’s body image/shape by embracing more modern digital technologies rather than relying on traditional hand-drawn line-based (figural) images or silhouettes. These traditional methods typically only consider an endomorphy-ectomorphy continuum with no mesomorphy component. METHODS: We have developed a novel iPad application that uses a wide array of >45 male and female somatotype photographs that allows more comprehensive estimates of body-image dissatisfaction than figural images/silhouettes. We piloted the iPad application with 20 adults who rated their ‘perceived’ and ‘desired’ body images from the somatotype photographs (>3 days between tests). RESULTS: Reliability correlation coefficients were determined for ‘perceived’ endomorphy r = 0.91 (68% identical), and ‘desired’ endomorphy r = 0.78 (85% identical); ‘perceived’ mesomorphy r = 0.81 (70% identical), and ‘desired’ mesomorphy r = 0.93 (65% identical); plus ‘perceived’ ectomorphy r = 0.88 (61% identical), and ‘desired’ ectomorphy r = 0.88 (70% identical). Overall, on re-test, 45% chose the identical ‘perceived’ somatotype and 50% the identical ‘desired’ somatotype. CONCLUSIONS: This novel iPad application introduces a revolutionary new and reliable method of assessing both perceived and desired body image. It also uniquely and simultaneously assesses body fat, muscle and leaness using realistic quasi-3D images. Developments of this rapid, portable and digital application may provide health care professionals with an enhanced tool for assessing body image and dealing with body image disorders.