Correlation of foot length with height and weight in school age children

Even though the forensic value of the correlation between foot length and human height and weight has been studied, there is a lack of studies regarding this subject in school age children. The aim of this study is to evaluate this relationship in a large sample of juveniles in a European country (Greece). The sample of the study consisted of 5093 children (average age: 11.47+/-2.71 years), who were examined during school period from 1996 to 2005. The Harris-Beath Mat for footprinting was the device used for measuring foot length. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate linear regression models. All statistical models were found to be significant and indicated that both right and left foot length were independent predictors of either height or weight. From all models fitted, the model having the greater predictive value was described by the formula: height (cm)=34.113+3.716 x (right foot length (cm)) +1.558 (if girl) + 2.499 x (age(years)), R(2)=0.852. It was also found that the models which contained right rather than left foot length as an explanatory variable predicted more accurately both height and weight. The results of this study suggest that foot length can estimate the stature and weight of a juvenile, especially after adjusting for age and sex.