Estimation of stature from foot length in eastern Uttar Pradesh: A prospective cross-sectional study

Stature estimation significantly contributes to forensic anthropology, particularly when complete skeletal remains are unavailable. Foot length, frequently preserved even in fragmented remains, has emerged as a dependable anthropometric measure for stature prediction, yet specific data for the Eastern Uttar Pradesh population in India are limited. This prospective observational study, conducted from April 2023 to September 2024 in Varanasi, aimed to assess the correlation between foot length and height and to establish regression models for accurate stature estimation. A total of 500 healthy adult volunteers (250 males, 250 females), aged between 25 to 55 years, participated, providing measurements of stature using an anthropometric rod and bilateral foot lengths via spreading calipers. Analysis using SPSS version 25.0 indicated a mean stature of 160.99 ± 9.81 cm, with males significantly taller (168.06 ± 7.21 cm) compared to females (153.92 ± 6.37 cm, p < 0.0001). Mean foot lengths were 24.21 ± 1.70 cm (right) and 24.25 ± 1.70 cm (left), both strongly correlated with stature (right foot r = 0.85, left foot r = 0.86, p < 0.0001). Derived linear regression equations demonstrated stature predictions: 4.9408 × right foot length + 41.388, and 4.9818 × left foot length + 40.239. Multivariate regression models incorporating variables such as age, gender, religion, and education further enhanced predictive accuracy (R = 0.898–0.899). A slightly stronger correlation with the left foot suggests minimal bilateral asymmetry. Observed sexual dimorphism, with males having greater stature and longer feet, aligns with global findings. Females exhibited lower correlations (r = 0.63–0.66), reflecting greater anthropometric variability potentially influenced by hormonal and morphological differences. Age-related stature decline beyond 40 years and the positive link between stature and educational status highlight physiological and socioeconomic influences. Despite limitations, including convenience sampling and exclusion of younger populations, this study underscores the importance of population-specific anthropometric equations in forensic identification.