Estimation of stature from different anthropometric measurements of Gorkha soldiers

Abstract

Stature is one of the most important elements in the identification of a person. Many different anthropometric dimensions can be used in the estimation of stature. Establishing the identity of an individual from body fragments has become an important necessity in recent times due to natural and man-made disasters. This study was performed on 226 Gurung soldiers of Gorkha regiment of Indian Army. The studied soldier’s age range was 18 yr-48 yr. Six anthropometric measurements (stature, hand length, arm length, standing knee height, foot length and leg length) were measured and stature is estimated with the help of these measurements.There was no significant difference between actual and estimated stature. All anthropometric measurements were highly correlated with stature at significance level p< 0.001 but leg length had better correlation (r = 0.816) compared to other variables. Stature can be estimated with the help of standing knee height (r = 0.686, p<0.001) and arm length (r = 0.653, p<0.001). It can be concluded that leg length was a very good predictor of stature estimation for the studied population.