THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FOOT INDEX AND STATURE IN KERALA POPULATION- A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY.

Corresponding Author:
Dr. Balachandran Ajay,
Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine,
Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences,
Kochi, Amrita University, India.
E-mail: drajay1976@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

No published formulae for estimating the stature from foot index were available for the population of Kerala at the time of the study. There was a need to develop such formulae for the local population.

The aim of the study is to-

1. Derive regression equations to estimate the stature from the foot index.
2. Analyse whether it is possible to determine the sex from foot index.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The stature and the foot index of the 224 dead bodies of Keralites (167 males and 57 females) aged between 20 and 60 years brought for autopsy at a teaching hospital in Kerala during the period of study were recorded. The foot index is derived by dividing the foot breadth by foot length and multiplying it by 100.

Statistical Analysis- Linear step wise regression analysis was done. Regression equations for estimating stature were derived from the foot index.

RESULTS

There was statistically significant difference between males and females with respect to the parameters under study. It is also possible to estimate the sex from foot index.

CONCLUSION

It is apparent that those having a foot index of more than 44.30 are females. The correlation coefficient between stature and right foot index of females was the only relation, which was not statistically significant as per this study. Other correlations were significant.

KEYWORDS

Correlation Coefficients, Foot Index, Regression Analysis, Stature Estimation, Sex Determination, T-Test.