Background: The work on estimation of stature from foot length was being carried out since long but data pertaining to regional variations are very few with respect to published literature. Height, like other phenotypic traits, is determined by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is sexually dimorphic and statistically more or less normally distributed. Estimation of stature from measurements of various long bones of the extremities has been attempted by many scientists with varying degree of accuracy. All such calculations depend on the fact that limbs exhibit consistent ratios relative to the total height of a person. Objectives: This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between personal stature and foot length among a group of male and female Central Indian adults and to derive a regression formula between the foot length and height of an individual. Materials and Methods: The subjects consist of 391 medical students from various colleges in central Indian population (Vidarbha region of Maharashtra) ranging between 18 to 22 years of age of similar socio economic status. The length of foot and the height of the subject were measured with using standard anthropometric instruments in anatomical position. Measurements were taken at fixed time to avoid diurnal variation and were carried out by a single person to eliminate the personal factor. The result obtained was analyzed and attempt was made to derive a formula between head length and the total height of an individual. Results: The differences of the foot length between the genders were found to be highly significant. A positive correlation between height and foot length was observed in both sexes and it was statistically significant. Regression equation for stature estimation was formulated using the foot lengths for both sexes. Conclusion: The results indicate that foot length provides an accurate and reliable means in estimating the stature of an unknown individual. The regression formula derived in this study will be useful for anatomists, archeologists, anthropologists and forensic scientists.

Key words: Anthropometry, Foot length, Total height, identity of individual.