SSISA launches the Styku 3D Body Scanner in Newlands
Body composition assessments are widely used within the health, medicine and fitness fields to determine an estimated percentage of bone, fat, muscle, and water in the body of a human subject. Such assessments provide practitioners with meaningful data points to determine one’s health risks and to aid in prescribing exercise modalities to improve results, whether for health, aesthetics or sporting performance.
The Styku machine is a 3D Body scanner that uses scanning technology to measure body composition and anthropometric data. Unlike traditional body composition assessment tools, such as skinfold callipers and scales, the Styku does not require a controlled environment to produce precise data. It takes 35 seconds to measure a subject and produce a 3D body visualisation to record progressive data for personal feedback. It is also non-invasive, cost-effective, and safe to use during pregnancy and with pacemakers.
The Styku machine uses the Kinect sensor through a camera lens and turntable to extract circumferential measurements, body fat percentage, lean mass percentage, and bone mass percentage. The subject stands on the platform as it rotates, reading specific data points. The Kinect sensor emits harmless infrared light, similar to that used in remote controls, which does not affect human tissue and won’t affect people with medical conditions. Once the scan is complete, the data is captured in a comprehensive digital report using an algorithm developed by Styku. This report also offers interactive 3D visuals, objective 2D visual overlays, rankings and it can be used to track biometric changes over time.
A study on the results of Styku assessments at the Louisiana State University found excellent correlations to both tape measure and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), which is considered to be the gold standard for body composition measurements. The results of the study also showcased Styku to have an almost perfect test-retest reliability with measurement errors of less than 1%. This makes Styku an effective tool to track the measurements of specific body points more accurately and consistently compared to many other, more costly measures.
The Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA) was the first to introduce the Styku 3D scanner in South Africa. SSISA’s 3D Body Scan assessment includes a comprehensive feedback session with a Biokineticist and provides an accurate report for individuals that would like to track their body composition and shape over time. The 3D Body scan has proven to be most popular among those embarking upon a new exercise or weight loss journey, as well as individuals wanting to closely monitor their progress throughout their training programme.
To book your 3D scan at SSISA, contact Caitlin or Nzali by emailing
humanperformance@ssisa.com.
