National Board of Examinations Journal of Medical Sciences (Apr 2024)
Estimation of Stature From Foot Length: An Anthropometric Study
Abstract
Background: Identification is a crucial objective in autopsies, particularly when dealing with unknown, decomposed, or mutilated bodies. Various parameters are employed to establish the identity of a human being, and among them, stature holds significant importance in forensic casework. Stature estimation is pivotal in determining identity, especially when confronted with skeletal remains, fragmented bodies resulting from mass disasters, or mutilated corpses. Objectives: The main objective of the present study was to determine the relation between foot length and the stature of individual by using correlation coefficient in both sexes. To provide a linear regression model for estimation of stature from foot length in both males and females. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 medical students aged between 20-25 years, studying at Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. The length of both right and left foot from the posterior most part of the heel to the longest toe is taken using measuring tool and height of the individual is measured using standard scale and both are compared. Using all the data the study aims to establish a linear regression model for estimation of stature from foot length in both male and female. Conclusion: In all the groups, a significant and positive correlation between stature and foot length was established, and regression equations were derived for both the feet. An attempt was made to study the correlation between stature and foot length separately in both the sexes. However, owing to no significant difference in the results obtained, entire study sample was taken as a single unit for deriving the regression equation. In conclusion, the individual foot length proves to be useful for stature estimation, offering crucial support for forensic experts and anthropologists.
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