Stature Estimation from Dimension of Hands and Hand Prints in Dehradun Population

Background: Stature estimation by hand dimension is one of the common parameters in anthropometry but using the handprints for the same and its positive correlation with height of the subject, makes it a more useful parameter for identification of suspects who have left hand prints at the crime scene.^[1].

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 150 (75 males and 75 females) healthy subjects after taking voluntary informed consent. Stature was measured by stadiometer and hand and hand print dimension were measured by vernier caliper. Data was analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.

Results: All parameter’s measurement were higher in male as compared to female subjects and shown range of weak to strong but positive correlation with height. Maximum positive correlation was observed in total population whereas minimum positive correlation was observed in between left hand breadth and left hand print breadth with height in female subjects. All the parameters were shown statistically significant correlation with height as p value was less than 0.05.

Conclusion: The regression models thus formed is able to predict stature would be beneficial in challenges of identification of humans.