Estimation of stature from dimensions of hands and feet in a South Indian Population

Abstract

Introduction: There is an established relationship between stature and various body parts like head, trunk, upper and lower extremity. This allows forensic expert to estimate stature from different parts of the body. Many studies have been conducted in many ethnic groups to estimate stature from hand and foot dimensions. Objectives: The purpose of this cross sectional study is to estimate stature from hand and foot dimensions in South Indian origin student population. Materials and Methods: Four anthropometric measurements viz. hand length, hand breadth, foot length and foot breadth were taken independently on the left and right side of each individual. Besides these, stature and weight of each subject were also recorded. Only right handed subjects were included in the present study. Results: In this cross sectional study of south Indian population, hands and feet dimensions were utilized to predict the stature of a person. The study includes 398 persons (149 males and 149 females) aged between 17 and 30 years. The average stature among males was 167.6 ± 6.2 and ranged between 151cm and 167.6cm. The average stature among females was 152.5 ± 4.9 and ranged between 142cm and 165cm. Males have larger hand and foot dimensions than females. The sex differences are highly significant in left foot length, right foot length, left hand breadth and right hand breadth; and significant in right foot breadth. All the parameters of hands and feet showed statistically significant positive correlation with stature in the present study and thus can be successfully utilized for stature estimation. Conclusion: The present cross sectional study emphasizes the utility of dimension of hands and feet in estimating stature by law enforcement agencies and forensic scientists, especially in mutilated and dismembered human remains. Keywords: Foot breadth, Foot length, Hand Breadth, Hand length, Stature.