Stature Estimation from the Thumb and Foot Length of Adult Port Harcourt Residents of Nigeria Using Linear Regression Equations

Abstract

Aims: To develop population-specific data and linear regression equation for stature estimation from thumb and foot length among Nigerians. Study Design: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study were anthropometric measurements including stature, thumb length, and foot length were measured. Place of Study: Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Methodology: The study population comprised 443 adult volunteers aged 18–54 years, comprising 256 females (57.8%) and 187 males (42.2%). Thumb length was measured on the dorsal surface from the metacarpophalangeal crease to the tip of the thumb using a digital Vernier caliper. Foot length was measured as the linear distance from the heel (pternion) to the tip of the longest toe (acropodion). The relationship between stature and the predictor variables (thumb length and foot length) was examined using simple and multiple linear regression analyses Results: The mean age for females was 23.1 ± 7.97 years, while males had a mean age of 23.5 ± 6.10 years. The mean height, thumb length, and foot length were consistently higher in males than in females. Males recorded mean values of 173 cm, 6.2 cm, and 27.0 cm for height, thumb length, and foot length respectively, while females recorded mean values of 163 cm, 5.94 cm, and 25.0 cm for the same parameters. Statistically significant differences were observed in height, right foot length, and left foot length, with males showing higher values (p = 0.00). Conclusion: The study results indicate that foot length is a stronger predictor of stature than thumb length and that thumb length is a stronger predictor of stature in males compared to females. Foot length demonstrated the strongest and most consistent association with stature in both sexes and yielded the most accurate predictive equations.