Estimation of stature by using the dimensions of the right hand and right foot in Han Chinese adults

Xinghua Zhang,Lianbin Zheng,Youfeng Wen,Jinping Bao,Shunhua Lu,Keli Yu,Huanjiu Xi,Dapeng Zhao,Guochang Xu,Yonglan Li,Yu Wei

doi:10.1007/s11427-016-0051-8

Xinghua Zhang, Lianbin Zheng + Show 9 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11427-016-0051-8

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Abstract

The Han Chinese people are the main ethnic group in China and the largest ethnic group in the world. The dimensions of the hands and feet have been successfully used for the estimation of stature. A total of 26,927 healthy adult subjects, comprising 13,221 men and 13,706 women, were recruited. The survey samples were chosen through random cluster sampling. The mean values were significantly higher in men than those in women for all measurements (P<0.001). All the measurements showed a statistically significant correlation with stature (P<0.01). The combination of the right hand length and the right foot length was the best predictor of stature because it had the lowest standard error of estimate. The use of multiple regression equations yielded better results than did the use of linear regression equations. The accuracy of stature prediction ranged from ±4.81 to ±6.39 cm. The present study was of great importance with regards to improving the physical anthropology database of ethnic groups in China.

Highlights

Forensic scientists are interested in the estimation of stature because of its importance in personal identification
The highest correlation coefficient was between the stature and right foot length (r=0.602), and the lowest was between the stature and right hand breadth (r=0.240)
In women, the right foot length resulted in the highest correlation coefficient (r=0.565), whereas the right hand breadth showed the lowest correlation (r=0.175) with stature

Summary

Introduction

Forensic scientists are interested in the estimation of stature because of its importance in personal identification. There is a relationship between each part of the body and the whole body. The hand and foot dimensions may represent a person’s identity. Human stature is an anatomical complex of linear dimensions (Moorthy et al, 2014; Uhrová et al, 2015; Zaher et al, 2011). Many researchers have found a relationship between stature. The results have supported their claim that stature can be estimated successfully from all kinds of body parts. The hand and foot dimensions have been successfully used for the estimation of stature. The standards for the estimation of stature are based on anatomical and mathematical methods

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