Analysis of stature prediction from foot anthropometry: a South Korean case study

Abstract

The investigation of footprints or dismembered foot dimensions from the scene of a crime or disaster plays a crucial role in the effort to determine some characteristics of the suspects or victims. Previous studies have shown the importance of foot dimensions for that purpose. However, the foot length and foot breadth were frequently studied; the present research investigated the relationship between stature and diverse foot dimensions such as of the heel, metatarsal edge, instep, metatarsal, and lateral malleolus – in addition to the foot length and foot breadth. The feet of 461 subjects (175 male & 286 Female) were scanned and measured. The mean age of the male participants was 41.6 (from 20 to 69) and 38.4 for female participants (from 20 to 68). A t-test was used to compare the gender difference in each dimension. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were computed to identify correlations among various part measurements and heights. Regression equations were derived using single or multiple variables. Foot length showed the highest relationship in males (R = 0.753) and females (R = 0.433). For males and females, prediction accuracy was highest in the linear regression equation using foot length alone (R2 = 0.567 for males, R2 = 0.188 for females; SEE ± 4.332 cm for males, ±4.825 cm for females). In addition to foot length, length-related variables such as the distance from the heel to both ends of the metatarsal were also reliable predictors. These research results are expected to be useful information for forensic medicine, and for medical appliance and sports manufacturers.