A Study of the Correlation Between Hand Length and Foot Length in Nepalese Medical Students

Abstract

Background: Dimensions of foot and hand are important tools for sexual dimorphism. In case of identification from dismembered part of body study of dimension of these body part may be crucial. Their correlation may be helpful in identification of an individual. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 100 students of both sexes. Hand length, hand breadth and foot length were measured by sliding caliper and measurements were analyzed using SPSS 23.0. Results: The mean right hand length in male was 17.52 cm and mean right hand length in female was 15.66. The difference was significant (P<0.05). The mean left foot length and right foot length in male were 24.96 and 24.98 respectively and in female 23.29 and 23.35 respectively. The correlation coefficient(R2) of left hand length and left hand breadth was .443. Conclusion: There was significant difference of hand and foot dimensions in male and female. There was the largest correlation coefficient of left hand length and left hand breadth. Key words: Hand length, Foot length, Identification.