Stature prediction based on foot dimensions in the Lebanese population: An anthropometric study

Personal identification is one of the important issues in forensic medicine to the identity of an individual. Due to differences in ethnic groups in physical characteristics, it is necessary to perform anthropometric studies in each population.  The aim of this study was to investigate the dimensions of the foot and its relationship with stature in the Lebanese population.

In a cross-sectional study, the stature and anthropometric factors of the foot (length and width) were measured in 100 men and 100 women aged 20 to 40 years living in Beirut, Lebanon after obtaining consent. The data were then analyzed. Linear regression and Pearson correlation were used for finding the relationship between quantitative data.

There was no significant difference in mean age between men and women. Also, the mean stature, length, and width of the foot in men were significantly higher than in women. There was a significant correlation between stature and leg length and width in the Lebanese population and leg length was a more appropriate factor for predicting stature. However, in the male population, foot length was significantly correlated with stature. Foot length and width in women had no significant correlation with stature. Also, different equations for calculating stature based on leg length and width were calculated.

According to our achieved results, foot length and width can be used to estimate stature in the Lebanese population in forensic research. However, foot length is a more appropriate factor for estimating stature in this population.