Estimation of Stature from Anthropometric Measurement of Foot Length in Population Above 18 Years – A Hospital‑Based Descriptive Study

Abstract

Background: Accurate estimation of stature from body segments is a cornerstone of forensic anthropology, mass‑disaster victim identification, and clinical practice. Foot length (FL) is particularly resilient to post‑mortem change and can be obtained even when only partial remains are recovered.

Aim: To derive population-specific regression equations for estimating stature from foot length among adults (>18 y) attending a tertiary care hospital and to evaluate sex‑specific differences.

Materials & Methods: A descriptive cross‑sectional study was conducted over 18 months. Standing height (SH) and bilateral foot lengths were recorded for 290 consenting adults (146 males, 144 females; mean age = 37.4 ± 12.3 y) using a stadiometer and digital vernier caliper. Data normality was assessed by Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Pearson’s r quantified the FL–SH relationship. Simple and multiple linear regressions generated prediction equations. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05.

Results: Mean SH was 171.3 ± 7.8 cm in males and 158.6 ± 6.5 cm in females (p < 0.001). Mean FL was 26.8 ± 1.3 cm (males) and 24.1 ± 1.2 cm (females). Pooled FL correlated strongly with stature (r = 0.83; SEE = 4.12 cm). Sex‑specific equations improved precision (SEE = 3.56 cm for males; 3.94 cm for females). Bilateral asymmetry was negligible (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Foot length offers a robust proxy for stature in the studied population. Adoption of the derived equations will enhance identification accuracy in medico‑legal settings. Larger multi‑centric studies are recommended to refine national standards.