A Study of Foot Anthropometry in the Right Footed Indian Population

Quantitative analysis of foot anthropometry is important to the study of ergonomics, forensic science and anthropology. The present study is aimed at providing anthropometric values for foot length, width and height in right footed individuals and establishing a reference standard for 300 young adults. The study was carried out in Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Mullana, Ambala, India on 300 medical students (150 male and 150 female) age 18 and above using an osteometric board and vernier callipers. Footedness was analyzed by using the criterion, kicking the ball. Of the 300 subjects, 90% (270) were found to be right footed. Of the 150 males 93.33% (140) and of the 150 females 86.67% (130) preferred their right foot to kick the ball. Left foot measurements of right foot preference group were interestingly higher than those of the right side. The mean foot height and mean foot length were significantly higher on left side in right footed males. The mean foot breadth was significantly more on the left side in right footed females.