Prediction of Stature based on Measurement of Hand Length in Maharashtra Region

Abstract

Background & Objective: Stature or body height is one of the most important and useful anthropometric parameter that determine the physical identity of an individual. Purpose of present study was to evaluate utility of hand length in estimation of stature & to predict the accuracy of regression equation & multiplication factor. Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Method: The study was carried on 94 males and 106females with the age of 17 to 25yrs of NKP Salve Institute of Medical Science & Research Centre Nagpur. Measurement of stature done by using standiometer and hand length of right hand & left hand with a slide caliper. Result: Mean and standard deviation of stature, hand length and correlation coefficient between hand length and stature was obtained. By using standard formulae regression equation & multiplication factor was derived for the estimation of stature from hand length. Conclusion & Interpretation: The present study showed significant correlation between the stature and hand lengths from the region of Maharashtra. The present study also provides regression equation & multiplication factors which can be useful for nearly accurate estimation of stature. This data is useful for the identifying of war casualties & for medico legal purpose. Key Words: Anthropometric measurement, Hand length, Regression equation & multiplication factor.