Stature Estimation from the Thumb and Foot length of Adult Port Harcourt Residents of Nigeria using linear regression equations

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Background Stature estimation is as important as other biological data like age and sex in the identification of unknown persons in a forensic case investigation. Hence for its peculiarity there is a need to develop population-specific data for every population as stature could be subject to variations. Methods A sample size of 266 subjects comprising 133 males and 133 females of the ages 18 to 60 years, all of Nigerian origin and residing in Port Harcourt were recruited for the study after an informed consent was given to the participants. Anthropometric parameters measured include the right and left thumb length, right and left foot length and the height. Standardized protocols and techniques in anthropometry were adopted for the measurements using a digital sliding vernier caliper and stadiometer. The data obtained was analyzed with Microsoft Excel to obtain linear regression equations for stature estimation. Results The mean right thumb length (RTL) for males and females is 6.26 ± 4.82 and 5.41 ± 0.52 respectively. The mean right foot length (RFL) for males and females is 26.52 ± 1.23 and 25.48 ± 1.62 respectively. Student t test shows that sexual variation in all the measured parameters was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) at a confidence interval of 95% with males showing greater values in all parameters studied. There was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) bilateral symmetry for both right and left sides of the thumb and foot length. The females showed a strong positive correlation r of thumb length against height at 0.707. Conclusion The study shows that stature can be estimated using the thumb and foot length but that thumb length is more reliable and accurate in females. Also, both halves of the thumb or foot can accurately estimate stature in the study population as there were no bilateral asymmetry.