Comparison of Regression Analysis and Mathematical Methods for Stature Estimation from the Upper Limb Measurements of the Modern South Indian Population

Abstract

This study aimed to establish reliable mathematical and regression analysis (RA) methods for estimating stature using upper limb (UL) anthropometric parameters in the modern South Indian (MSI) population. This study was conducted on a sample size (117 men and 97 women) from the MSI population. Dead bodies within 3 hours of death were included in this study, as the study outcome is meant to apply to the dead and dismembered UL parts. Mathematical and linear RA methods were used to derive multiplication factors (MFs) and regression equations (REs) for the estimation of stature from UL measurements (arm length [AL], forearm length, palm length, and middle finger length [MFL]) and assess their prediction accuracy. A statistically significant correlation was found between UL measurements and stature, indicating their potential use for stature estimation. Both genders showed a statistically significant positive relationship between UL measurements and stature. Both MF and RA methods exhibited reasonable goodness of fit, albeit the RA method yielded a closer estimate of the actual stature than the former. The derived RE showed reasonable goodness of fit and precision in both genders, as evidenced by high R² values and low standard errors. The RA and MF methods slightly over- and under-estimated the actual stature, respectively. The MFL and AL showed the strongest and weakest relationship with the stature. Both methods have practical significance though the precision is higher with RA methods. The MF method is simpler, as it is independent of statistical resources, while the RA method may be more useful in cases where there is a large amount of variation in the data. The outcome of this study has significant implications for the forensic and anthropology fields. The derived RE and MF provide a reliable framework for estimating stature from anthropometric measurements of dismembered UL remnants. This information can be valuable in forensic investigations, unidentified remains cases and archaeological studies.