Estimation of Stature from Bilateral Foot Length Among Central Indian Adults: A Cross-Sectional Anthropometric Study

Background: Stature is an important parameter in forensic anthropology and identity evidence. In cases of incomplete or mutilated human remains, stature can be estimated from individual body measurements. Length of the foot is one of the useful anthropometric parameters for this purpose. Nevertheless, sex, ethnicity and geographical population can influence stature, making foot length and status remain associated. As a result, we need regression equations specific to the population. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation of bilateral foot length with stature among Central Indian adults and to derive sex-specific regression equations for stature estimation. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional observational analytical study was conducted among 200 adults comprising 100 males and 100 females. Standing stature and bilateral foot lengths were measured. Sex-wise differences, right–left variation, Pearson's correlation coefficients and regression equations were determined. The coefficient of determination (R²) and standard error of estimate (SEE) were used to assess predictive performance. Results: The average height of males and females has been reported as 166.20 ± 6.45 cm and 156.85 ± 5.82 cm, respectively. The mean right foot length in males was 25.18 ± 1.35 cm and in females 23.12 ± 1.21 cm, while mean left foot length in males was 25.12 ± 1.34 cm and in females 23.06 ± 1.20 cm. There were statistically significant sex differences. There was no notable bilateral difference. The length of the right foot in males, females and the combined population correlated significantly positively with stature (males r=0.71, females r=0.67, total r=0.74). The left foot length showed correlations of 0.70, 0.66 and 0.73. For males right foot regression equation is Stature = 80.84 + 3.39 ×RFL (R²=0.504; SEE=4.56 cm), while that of females is Stature = 82.42 + 3.22 ×RFL (R²=0.449; SEE=4.33 cm). Conclusion: There is a positive relationship of stature with bilateral foot length. The measurement of the length of right foot was found to have a high correlation and useful predictive performance. The use of sex-specific and population-specific regression equations may help in forensic stature estimation among Central Indian adults. Investigation of Stature and Foot Length and Their Relationship by Using Anthropometric Measurements through Regression Analysis of Population of Central India.

Keywords: Stature, Foot length, Anthropometry, Forensic anthropology, Regression analysis, Central India, Sex estimation.