Estimation of Stature from Dimensions of Foot

Background: Establishing personal identity is one of the main concerns in forensic investigations. Estimation of stature forms a basic domain of the investigation process in unknown and co-mingled human remains in forensic anthropology. The objective of the present study was to set up standards for estimation of stature from the foot length and breadth.

Method: The sample for the study constituted 120 medical students (60 males and 60 females) of Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar. The participants were aged between 18 and 21 years. Two anthropometric measurements viz. foot length and foot breadth will be taken independently on the left foot of each individual. The results were tabulated and then regression equation was derived.

Results: The correlation between stature and all the foot measurements was found to be positive and statistically significant (p-value < 0.001). Regression equations were derived for estimation of stature from the measurements of the foot. The present study indicates that anthropometric measurements of foot length and breadth are valuable in the estimation of stature. Foot length measurements estimate stature with greater accuracy when compared to foot breadth measurements.