Title

Palm Length as an Aid for Stature Estimation in South Indian Population.

Authors

Vishal Koulapur, Vinay R Hallikeri, B Manoranjan.

 Abstract

Introduction: Human remains identification is a paramount task for any investigator in a forensic investigation. The present paper focuses on relationship between the palm length and stature in the South Indian student population and regression formulae to estimate the stature from this measurement have been devised. These findings would be a valuable tool for the anthropologists in general and forensic experts in specific for estimation of stature. Objectives: To derive regression equations that can be applied for estimation of stature of South Indian population using the palm length. Material and Methods: Palm length and height were measured from 200 students (100 males & 100 females) aged between 18 to 25 years belonging to south Indian population. Measurements of palm length of males and females were taken by using a Vernier callipers and the height was recorded using Anthropometer rod. Pearson's correlation co-efficient was calculated and its significance was tested at a p-value of less than 0.05. Results The mean stature of males and females were 173.8 and 159.1 cm respectively. Mean palm length of right and left sides for males was same (11.3 cm) whereas in females was 10.1 cm and 10.3 cm respectively. Linear regression equations for estimation of stature in males and females and palm length showed a significant correlation with the stature in males and females. The right-palm length in both sexes appears to be the better predictor of stature. Conclusions It is better to use the combined regression equations than the specific gender-based equations.

 Keywords

Forensic Anthropology, Identification, Stature, Palm length.

 DOI