Can footprint measurements be an alternative for foot measurements: a forensic anthropological approach

Year 2025, Volume: 15 Issue: 1, 1 - 14, 29.06.2025

Saumya Seal , Devi Das , Suryakant Soni

Abstract

Footprints and foot measurements have recently gained importance as evidence in forensic case-works as the chances of recovering any pedal evidence from crime scenes or site of accidents are frequent. The present cross-sectional investigation aims to evaluate the morphometric differences between footprint and foot measurements and infer whether footprint evidence can be a replacement for foot morphometry, and vice versa. Age group of 18-25 years (128 males and 77 females) were selected as part of the research from Rajasthan in North-west India. Seven linear anthropometric measurements were considered for both foot and its subsequent footprint measurement: T1-T5 lengths, breadths at ball region and heel region. Results inflicted ball breadths have the least differences in both sexes. Considerably better correlational values were observed in males (0.854 - 0.284) in comparison to females (0.660 - 0.410). The study suggests that evidence like partial foot evidence can be a suitable replacement for foot impressions and can assist in forensic investigations.

Keywords

Forensic sciences , Footprint dimensions , Foot dimensions , Anthropometric techniques , North-west India

Ethical Statement

The study strictly adheres to academic ethical guidelines laid down by Panjab University, Chandigarh, India. The authors also declare no financial grant was received from funding agencies, as the present study is part of a M.Sc. dissertation carried out by trained forensic anthropologists.

Supporting Institution

Panjab University, Chandigarh, India

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