Estimation of Stature from Combined Forearm-Hand Length Measurements in South Indian Adult Population

Abstract

Background: Stature being one of the important aspects of anthropometric measurements, it serves as a key identifier in medico-legal investigations, particularly in cases involving incomplete or mutilated remains. This study explores the relationship between stature and the combined measurements of forearm and hand length in the South Indian adult population of Karnataka, aiming to establish reliable regression models for stature estimation.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on a cohort of 200 adults, 100 male and 100 female individuals, aged 25 to 35 years, from Shivamogga, Karnataka. The Stature and combined forearm-hand length of the left and right sides were measured. Statistical analysis was done to assess the correlations and develop gender-specific regression equations for stature prediction.
Results:
The mean stature of 162.09 cm (SD: 5.40cm), and 149.37 cm (SD: 5.896cm), was observed in males and females respectively. The mean for forearm-hand lengths of 46.16 cm (left) and 46.38 cm (right) was observed in males and 41.87 cm (left) and 42.27 cm (right) in females. A strong and statistically significant correlation was observed between stature and combined forearm-hand lengths for both genders. Separate regression equations for males and females were derived accounting for side-specific variations, and high predictive accuracy.
Conclusion:
This study underscores a strong correlation between stature and forearm-hand length. The regression equations obtained in this study provide a useful tool for estimating stature in anthropological and forensic fields, especially when incomplete skeletal remains are found.