UNLOCKING ANTHROPOMETRIC INSIGHTS: THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FOOT LENGTH AND STATURE IN THE PASHTUN POPULATION

Background: Stature is vital for identifying individuals, and estimating height through hand and foot dimensions has long intrigued anatomists, scientists, and forensic experts. Objective: This research aimed to determine correlation among length of foot and height in the Pashtun community. Material and Methods: It was cross-sectional observational study carried out with 135 students both male and female aged 18 to 23 at Jinnah Medical College, Peshawar, from December 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. The study used complete enumeration probability sampling and excluded individuals with foot deformities, spinal irregularities, atypical statures, and those under 18. Research conducted after approval from Institutional Ethical Committee. Data included measurements of height and foot length in centimeters. The obtained data were statistically analyzed. Results: it was observed that average height of males was 173.50 cm and females had 159.56 cm, with mean left and right foot lengths of 26.5 cm and 24.19 cm for males and females respectively. A significant relationship between length of foot and height was found for both genders (r=0.602 for males and r=0.629 for females, p<0.01). The regression coefficient (b) for height prediction was 2.13 for males and 2.96 for females. Regression equations for stature estimation was developed, showing more accurate results for females, with Standard Errors of Estimate (SEE) of ±4.22 for males and ±4.41 for females. Conclusion: This research aimed to determine the height and length of foot of pashtun population and establish a predictive equation for stature based on foot length in adults. The study suggests that foot length could be a key parameter for determining stature across various ethnic groups. Further research among diverse populations is needed to validate stature measurement as a reliable identifier.