Estimation of Stature from Lower Limb Measurements among Individuals of Efik Ethnicity, South-South Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Stature estimation is a critical step in the development of a biological profile for human identification. The long bones of the lower limbs can be accurately used to identify an unknown individual in a population.

Aim: This study aimed to estimate stature from the lower limb parameters of Efiks who are indigenous members of the southern senatorial zone of Cross River State, South-South Nigeria.

Methods: The sample for this study consisted of 150 each of males and females who were selected randomly from the communities. The participants were between 12 and 45 years, and the measurements taken included height, foot length, foot breadth, thigh length, and leg length.

Results: The mean values for stature and all measured anthropometric dimensions with the exception of thigh length, were significantly lower in females than in males (p < 0.01). The R² (coefficient of determination) from the regression formulae developed in this study, showed that thigh length and leg length are the most powerful predictors of stature in males (42.3%) and females (44.5%), respectively.

Conclusion: Lower limb dimensions are useful for estimating stature. The population- and gender-specific equations developed are useful for forensic analysis and in the identification of humans.

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