HAND DIMENSIONS AS PREDICTOR OF STATURE – AN ANTHROPOMETRIC STUDY IN A SAMPLE OF SOUTH INDIAN POPULATION
Author: Sarala Devi K.V, Udhaya.K, Deepti Shastri
Category: Anatomy
Abstract:
Estimation of stature sustains an important role in the field of anthropology. In the present study an attempt has been made to look into the possible correlation between the stature and hand dimensions (hand length, hand breadth, palm length) of an individual in South Indian population. A sample of 180 medical students (74 males and 106 females) studying in Vinayaka Mission's Kirupananda Variyar Medical College, Salem was considered and measurements of stature, hand length, hand breadth and palm length of both hands were taken. These measurements were analyzed statistically using SPSS 12th version to establish correlation between stature and hand dimensions in the form of correlation coefficient and regression equation. It was found that all three hand dimensions showed different degrees of positive correlation with stature. Regression equations were derived separately for both hands in both sexes. These equations may be of use to estimate stature of an individual approximately when there is difficulty in obtaining a direct measurement or when only a hand is available for examination.
Keywords: hand dimensions, stature estimation, south Indian population, correlation coefficient, regression equation.
