Estimation of height of an individual from forearm length on the population of Eastern India

Height is a fundamental unit to assess growth and nutrition, for calculating body surface area and predicting pulmonary function in a person. But measurement of height may be hindered by muscle weakness, joint and spinal deformity. So, some alternative method should be there to measure height of a person in these cases. Also, when dismembered human fragments are encountered in scenes of mass disaster, the height of a person is to be calculated for identification. Estimation of stature from skeletal fragments is of great interest in forensic science. The aim of the current study is to find out a regression equation that could calculate the height of a person precisely and reproducibly from forearm length. 300 students (M = 206, F = 94) aged 18-25 years, who had no disability, were studied at SCB Medical College, Cuttack. Height and forearm lengths were measured. Prediction equation for height was derived using linear equation method.