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Handprint Dimensions as a Tool for Stature Estimation among Young Adults in Central India: A Cross-sectional Study |
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Jyoti Chhattari (Jasathi), Surajit Kundu, Richa Gurudiwan, Gireesh Dashhare, Seema Tigga 1. Postgraduate Student, Department of Anatomy, Late Shri Lakhiram Agrawal Memorial Government Medical College, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India. 2. Professor, Department of Anatomy, Late Shri Lakhiram Agrawal Memorial Government Medical College, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India. 3. Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Late Shri Lakhiram Agrawal Memorial Government Medical College, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India. 4. Demonstrator (Post PG), Department of Anatomy, Late Shri Lakhiram Agrawal Memorial Government Medical College, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India. 5. Demonstrator (Post PG), Department of Anatomy, Late Shri Lakhiram Agrawal Memorial Government Medical College, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India. |
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Correspondence Address : Dr. Surajit Kundu, Professor, Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Raigarh-496001, Chhattisgarh, India. E-mail: dr.surajitkundu@rediffmail.com |
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| ABSTRACT |  | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
: Introduction: Gender discrimination from body parts is a difficult task in forensic investigations. In such instances, handprints can serve as valuable evidence. Gender-specific regression equations, suggesting correlation between stature and anthropometric hand measurements, can be a successful tool to know the unknown. Aim: To assess the relationship between handprint dimensions and stature and to develop regression models for stature estimation based on Handprint Length (HPL) and Handprint Breadth (HPB). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy at Late Shri Lakhiram Agrawal Memorial Government Medical College, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India, from March 2024 to July 2024. A total of 82 participants (32 males and 50 females), aged 17 to 22 years, were enrolled, including both right- and left-handed individuals. Hand impressions of both hands were obtained by pressing clean, dry hands onto evenly spread moulding clay on a flat surface, ensuring uniformity and minimising distortion. From each impression, HPL and HPB were measured using standardised anthropometric procedures. Standing stature was recorded for each participant using calibrated instruments. Descriptive statistics were computed for all variables. Simple linear regression analysis and Pearson’s correlation coefficients (r) were used to evaluate associations, while the Student’s t-test was applied to assess statistical significance. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered indicative of significance. Results: Handprint measurements demonstrated a significant positive correlation with stature in both male and female participants, whose mean age was 19.5 years. The HPL of the right hand ranged from 15.4 cm to 22.8 cm, with a mean of 18.56±1.23 cm, while the left hand ranged from 15.7 cm to 22.7 cm, with a mean of 18.42±1.15 cm. Stature among the sampled population varied from 142 cm to 178.5 cm, with males exhibiting a mean stature of 169.68±4.97 cm and females 155.74±5.30 cm. Pearson’s correlation coefficients (‘r’) indicated a moderate positive association between HPL and stature in males (right hand: r=0.468; left hand: r=0.556) and females (right hand: r=0.477; left hand: r=0.528). In contrast, HPB showed a comparatively weaker correlation with stature across both genders. Conclusion: The consistency of regression models affirms HPL as a dependable predictor of stature and highlights the need for population-specific calibration. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Keywords : Anthropology, Forensic, Gender, Hand measurements | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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DOI and Others :
DOI: 10.7860/IJARS/2026/79828.3078
Date of Submission: Apr 13, 2025 Date of Peer Review: Aug 01, 2025 Date of Acceptance: Sep 22, 2025 Date of Publishing: Jan 01, 2026 AUTHOR DECLARATION: • Financial or Other Competing Interests: None • Was Ethics Committee Approval obtained for this study? Yes • Was informed consent obtained from the subjects involved in the study? Yes • For any images presented appropriate consent has been obtained from the subjects. NA PLAGIARISM CHECKING METHODS: • Plagiarism X-checker: Apr 13, 2025 • Manual Googling: Sep 15, 2025 • iThenticate Software: Sep 20, 2025 (7%) ETYMOLOGY: Author Origin EMENDATIONS: 6 |
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| INTRODUCTION |
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Stature estimation is indispensable among the four primary parameters- age, gender, race, and stature- for associating corroborative evidence in individual identification (1). Clarification of biological gender is essential for accurate estimation of age and stature in unknown individuals, forming the foundation of a biological profile (2),(3). Among commonly utilised techniques, morphological features such as cranial measurements, long bones of the limbs, fragmentary skeletal remains, spine, foot dimensions, metacarpal and metatarsal lengths, skull, and scapula have yielded satisfactory data for gender estimation across populations (3),(4). Peripheral extremities such as dismembered hands and feet, often recovered from explosions, transportation disasters, natural calamities, or mutilated homicides, serve as valuable anthropometric evidence (5),(6). In such contexts, hand and foot prints have emerged as accessible and non-invasive tools for stature estimation (7),(8),(9), offering vital information for identity matching (10),(11). The earliest structured attempts to estimate stature were made by Rollet (1888), who utilised all six long bones of the limbs to construct formal tables. Pearson (1898) later developed regression equations based on Rollet’s dataset and emphasised the importance of population-specific application of such formulae (12). Given that skeletal development is influenced by genetic, environmental, racial, and ethnic factors (12),(13), anthropometric parameters can aid in determining gender, age, stature, and nutritional status (14),(15). Consequently, regression equations derived from one population often lack reliability when applied to another, necessitating the development of gender- and population-specific models. Predictive accuracy is maximised when regression formulae are applied to the same population from which they were derived, underscoring the need for inclusive, regionally representative datasets (12). While Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) profiling remains the gold standard, its cost and technical demands have prompted the exploration of alternative methods. Handprint dimension analysis has gained traction as a precise, cost-effective, and scalable tool for stature estimation, particularly in forensic and disaster scenarios (16),(17). Studies utilising hand dimensions for stature estimation span diverse ethnic populations (18),(19),(20),(21). Documentary evidence on stature estimation using handprint dimensions in the Central Indian population remains scarce. Moreover, methodological variations across studies- particularly in measurement techniques, anatomical landmark selection, and data acquisition protocols- pose significant challenges to cross-population applicability. Some studies rely on direct anthropometry, while others use digital imaging or ink-based prints, each introducing variability in dimensional accuracy and reproducibility. These inconsistencies highlight the need for standardised measurement protocols and comparative evaluation across populations to ensure methodological rigour and forensic reliability. Considering the diverse geographical, genetic, and environmental conditions of the Indian subcontinent, this study aimed to estimate stature from handprint dimensions within Central India. It seeks to generate gender-specific regression equations tailored to this population, contributing to the development of a regionally valid and methodologically robust tool for stature estimation in forensic and anthropometric applications. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Material and Methods |
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A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy at Late Shri Lakhiram Agrawal Memorial Government Medical College, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India, from March 2024 to July 2024. Ethical approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee (IEC) (S.No./Med./Ethics committee/2024/03, dated 23rd February 2024) was obtained before undertaking the study. Inclusion criteria: Students providing informed consent to willingly participate in the study, students without bony deformities or accidents or surgical procedures involving limbs and students belonging to the Chhattisgarh region (central India) were included. Exclusion criteria: Students belong to other part of India (all India and central pool quota), who had not provided consent to participate and Individuals with congenital anomaly of limb (s) and vertebral column, contractures, missing limbs, history of trauma to hand and foot, with features suggestive of dysmorphic syndromes, chronic illness, hormonal therapy were decided not to be included as a part of the study. Study Procedure Following the principles of systematic random sampling, the study involved state quota medical students of the first phase, 82 students among a 100 batch, with 32 males and 50 females, with ages between 17-22 years (mean age 19.5 years). Handprint dimensions (HPL and HPB) of both hands were measured using Standard Vernier Calliper, modelling polymer clay (multicolour), a 17” long wooden rolling pin and a wall-mounted Stadiometer. Stature or living Height measured in centimetres (vertex to heel, with bare foot, as recommended by International Biological Program 7) using a wall-mounted stadiometer, with the individual standing erect on a horizontal resting plane with heels together, palms turned towards the side of the thigh, and the finger pointing downwards. Hand impressions of both right and left hands were obtained by placing and pressing dry and clean hands over evenly spread (using a rolling pin) moulding clay on an even surface in a standardised position to get uniform hand impressions of both hands (Table/Fig 1). HPL and HPB were measured in centimetres by using vernier callipers (Table/Fig 1). To mitigate measurement distortions due to usage associated with polymer clay impressions, several procedural safeguards were undertaken. Firstly, the clay consistency and temperature were standardised to ensure uniform pliability, and diurnal variation was controlled by recording all measurements between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Secondly, consistent guided pressure was applied during hand placement, which helped to control depth and spread distortions. And thirdly, limiting the time between impression and measurement reduced the risk of dimensional changes due to drying or deformation. The HPL was measured as the length measured from the transverse baseline at the lowest point of the palm’s medial edge to the apex of the middle finger, and HPB as the span between the outermost point of the palm print at the level of the second metacarpal and the innermost point along the distal transverse crease. A pilot study using 20 volunteers was carried out to estimate intraobserver error so that the measurements were valid and reliable. Beyond the pilot study, inter and intraobserver reliability were systematically assessed through repeated measurements on a randomised subsample of handprints. For intraobserver reliability, the same observer recorded measurements on two separate occasions under identical conditions, with a minimum washout period to reduce recall bias. Interobserver reliability was assessed by having multiple trained observers independently measure the same set of handprints using standardised protocols. These procedures ensured that measurement reproducibility was rigorously validated across observers and time points. Statistical Analysis Key variables were recorded in centimeters. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, range) were computed for all variables. Simple linear regression analyses and the correlation coefficient (r) were calculated for each of the parameters separately for either gender to derive predictive equations. All statistical analyses were conducted using Microsoft Excel (latest version, 365 and Office). A standard Student’s t-test was performed, and a p-value <0.05 was considered significant. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Results |
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Correlation of right-and left-HPL and HPB and stature among males and females are shown in (Table/Fig 2). Though the correlation value of HPB for males and females was weak (p-value >0.05), statistically significant correlations between height and HPL of right and left among males and females individuals (p-value <0.05) have been obtained (Table/Fig 2). The Standard Error of Estimate (SEE) reflects how much the predicted stature may differ from the actual stature, with lower SEE values indicating more accurate predictions. In the current study, SEE values for handprint measurements ranged from ±4.54 to ±5.91 cm in males and ±4.30 to ±5.53 cm in females. Notably, females showed narrower SEE ranges for both left- and right-handprint measurements (left: ±4.32 to±5.22 cm; right: ±4.39 to ±5.40 cm) than those for males (left: ±4.69 to ±5.92 cm; right: ±4.56 to ±5.89 cm). The HPL (right and left), HPB (right and left) were significantly longer in males as compared to females (Table/Fig 3). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discussion |
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Regression formulae have emerged as practical and reliable tools for estimating stature using human body appendages. The stature range among participants spanned from 142 cm to 178.5 cm, with mean values of 169.68±4.97 cm for males and 155.74±5.3 cm for females. These findings align with previous anthropometric studies by Patel PN et al., Krishan K and Sharma A, Bhatnagar DP et al., Rastogi P et al., and Charmode SH et al., reinforcing the consistency of stature norms across diverse Indian cohorts (14),(22),(23),(24),(25). Inclusion of individuals from varied socio-demographic backgrounds enhances the generalisability of these results in both forensic and clinical contexts (Table/Fig 4) (14),(22),(24),(25),(26),(27),(28),(29),(30),(31). HPB ranged from 6.02 to 9.68 cm, with a mean of 7.91±0.57 cm, comparable to values reported by Rastogi P et al., Charmode SH et al., and Mohite PM et al., (24),(25),(26). Notably, this study measured HPB from the 2nd metacarpal to the distal transverse crease, differing from prior methods that used the 2nd metacarpo-phalangeal joint to the base of the 5th metacarpal- highlighting methodological variation. Correlation analysis revealed moderate associations between HPL and stature consistent with findings by Patel PN et al., Charmode SH et al., Tandon R et al., Chikhalkar BG et al., and Pal A et al., [14,25,27,28,30]. In contrast, hand breadth showed weak correlation, reaffirming hand length as a more dependable parameter. Rastogi P et al., similarly validated hand length as a robust predictor across Indian populations (24). Recent studies have reaffirmed the forensic utility of handprint dimensions. Nanayakkara D et al., Ali SM et al., Sneha S and Keerthi S, and Kumar D et al., demonstrated strong correlations and developed robust models across Sri Lankan, Egyptian, Bangladeshi, and Indian populations, highlighting the method’s adaptability [12,32-34]. The present study offers a validated baseline for stature estimation using handprint dimensions in central Indian populations. The findings support segender-specific accuracy and lay the foundation for expanded forensic and epidemiological applications using regionally calibrated regression models. In summary, while the present findings offer a valuable baseline, future research should prioritise multicentric validation, methodological standardisation, and comparative dimensional analyses to refine stature estimation protocols and enhance their forensic utility. Limitation(s) The present study represents a prefatory effort toward establishing handprint-based stature estimation protocols for central Indian populations, and several limitations warrant consideration. First, the derived regression formula is age-specific, applicable primarily to individuals aged 17-22 years. Its extrapolation to other age groups may compromise predictive accuracy, necessitating age-stratified validation in future research. Second, while linear regression was employed, a comparative analysis with multiple regression models incorporating additional hand dimensions could enhance predictive robustness and should be explored in subsequent studies. A critical methodological limitation lies in the definition of hand length. The current study measured hand length from the distal wrist crease to the tip of the middle finger using clay impressions. However, alternative anatomical definitions- such as measuring from the midpoint of the inter-styloid process line to the fingertip- may yield higher precision. Future work should systematically compare anatomical versus print-based measurements to determine optimal standards for forensic application. Additionally, the use of clay-based hand impressions introduces potential variability, as measurements may differ from those obtained directly from the human hand. Standardisation of the clay impression technique, including pressure control and material consistency, is essential to minimise distortion and improve reproducibility. The relatively small sample size with skewed gender imbalance (females 50 and males 32) and restriction to healthy individuals further limit generalisability. Subjects with poorly defined wrist creases, musculoskeletal deformities, or post-traumatic hand alterations were excluded, which may affect applicability in forensic scenarios involving diverse physiological presentations. Moreover, anthropometric measurements from living individuals may differ from those of deceased subjects due to postmortem changes in tissue elasticity and positioning. This underscores the need for multicentric studies involving both living and deceased individuals across varied ethnic groups and states of India to establish comprehensive, population-specific databases. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acknowledgement |
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Sincere acknowledgement to Dean, Late Shri Lakhiram Agrawal Memorial Government Medical College, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, all faculty and staff members, Department of Anatomy, Co-ordinator Medical Education Unit, for their kind support and guidance and all dear students (MBBS batch 2023) for their participation. Authors’ contribution: Dr. Surajit Kundu and Dr. Richa Gurudiwan, being the guide and co-guide, respectively, for Dr. Jyoti (Postgraduate Student), conceived the original idea and designed the theoretical model of the manuscript and were instrumental in the final writing of the paper and encouraging the postgraduate student. They were in charge of the overall direction and planning. Dr. Jyoti communicated and prepared the subjects, obtained consent, collected data, performed analysis, interpreted calculations and took the lead role in framing the draft of the paper, obtaining inputs and consulting all the authors. Dr. Gireesh and Dr. Seema helped in the preparation of the subjects, overall supervision of the paper and provided critical feedback. All authors commented on the critical points and helped to shape the research, analysis and manuscript to its present form. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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