Estimation of Stature from Upper Limb Measurements by Regression Analysis in North -West Indian Population

Abstract

The estimation of a deceased stature, which is a part of the identification process, is crucial in cases where mutilated or dismembered bodies presented for postmortem examination. Nevertheless, stature differs by race and is determined by genetics, environment, climatic conditions, and geographic location. Therefore, the study was intended to estimate stature from upper limb parameters in the north-west Indian population, to see if there is a significant correlation between stature and various upper limb parameters, and to create regression equations for estimating stature from various upper limb parameters. Inclusion in the study group was restricted to subjects who were willing to participate and who provided written informed consent. Students with evident physical deformities were not included in the study. Using Pearson's correlation test, correlations between various parameters of the upper limb and height were determined. Gender specific linear regression equations for estimating stature were developed by using upper limb measurements. Stepwise regression analysis was used to generate equations for multiple regressions based on a variety of parameter combinations. Using a paired T-test, there was no statistically significant difference observed between known and estimated stature for both the right and left sides in a mixed-gender and in both males and females (p>0.05). From the parameters, the upper limb length and hand length had shown strong positive correlations with stature in the north-west Indian population.