Reliability of a two-dimensional sock-clad footprint linear measurement method

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Anthropometry
• Biomechanics

Background:

• The Reel Method is a validated 2D linear measurement technique for bare footprints.
• Limited research exists on measurement techniques for sock-clad footprints.
• Accurate footprint analysis is crucial in forensic and clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the validity and reliability of the Reel Method for measuring sock-clad footprints.
• To assess the consistency of measurements between and within multiple raters.

Main Methods:

• Collected mid-gait footprints from 30 participants using the Identicator Inkless Shoe Print Model LE 25P system.
• Measured ball of foot width, calcaneal width, and heel-to-toe length on sock-clad footprints.
• Analyzed data for inter-rater and intra-rater reliability using statistical methods.

Main Results:

• The Reel Method demonstrated high reliability among three raters for sock-clad footprints.
• Measurements were consistent between and within raters, with normally distributed data.
• High statistical agreement was confirmed by Intraclass Correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman analysis.

Conclusions:

• The Reel Method is a reliable and valid approach for the two-dimensional linear measurement of sock-clad footprints.
• This technique can be confidently applied in forensic and clinical contexts where footprints are found within footwear.
• Further research could explore its application in diverse footwear types and conditions.