Estimating stature from hand and foot anthropometry: A pilot study

Background: Stature estimation is a critical component of forensic identification, particularly when dealing with incomplete human remains. While global anthropometric models exist, population-specific data for Pakistan remain scarce. Objective: To determine the correlation of hand and foot length with stature in medical students and to derive sex-specific regression equations for stature prediction, using hand and foot lengths. Methods: A pilot cross-sectional study was conducted from August 21 to September 20, 2025, in the Forensic Department of Shalamar Medical & Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan. Both male and female MBBS students (n=100), aged 20 to 25 years from a medical college, were included in the study. Standardized anthropometric techniques were used to measure hand and foot lengths and stature. Pearson's correlation test and multiple linear regression were employed to develop predictive models. Results: Significant positive correlations were found between stature and both hand and foot lengths of both sides (r = 0.688–0.773, p < 0.001), with left foot length showing the strongest correlation (p<0.001). Gender-specific regression analyses revealed that, for males, the model with left-hand and foot length explained 36.0% of the variance in stature, with foot length as the significant predictor. For females, the similar model explained 33.2% of variance, with both hand and foot length as significant predictors. Conclusion: Stature was significantly correlated with hand and foot lengths, with left foot length showing the strongest association. Sex-specific regression analyses indicated that left foot length was the main predictor in males, while left hand and left foot lengths significantly predicted stature in females.